Experts say the job market is still struggling despite Connecticut's economy reopening in phases.

Maureen Mackey owns Mackey Staffing & Co. She says employers also face challenges as they try to adapt to the web-based workflows of the new normal.

"How do you onboard someone virtually? How do you make them feel a part of the culture and assimilate?" said Mackey.

She says for some people looking for work, that could mean a long wait.

"Stay optimistic, but I think you're going to have to give yourself six months to a year. I hate to say it, but I really think that's what it's going to be," said Mackey.

Brian Marks is an economist at the University of New Haven. He says the jobs picture is even worse than the 9.4% unemployment rate the Department of Labor initially reported.

"May's numbers were closer to 20 percent unemployment," Marks said.

He says the economy runs on consumer confidence, and we might not see that come back fully until there is a vaccine for COVID-19.

Marks said job seekers should be ready to change with the times, or they could be waiting even longer.