> Are people finding placement?

LMAO no. Admittedly I have been out of the job hunting circus for a decade, but the number of positions I've applied for in the past few months that have resulted in a first interview is laughable. Recruiters are still useless and such an active waste of my time I don't even reply to them any more.

I'm seemingly having better luck these days getting freelance contracts through non-standard avenues (but I'm holding off from celebrating as I'm still negotiating and haven't signed anyone just yet)