Those Who Will Get Hired In 2026 Will

It’s widely predicted that 2026 will be a more challenging year for job seekers than 2025. Although there will be fewer job openings, employers will still be hiring, albeit at a slower, more selective pace. The job seekers who’ll be hired will be those who hyper-focus on how they present themselves to employers.

Throughout 2026 and beyond, the following factors will shape hiring processes and decisions:

1. The continuing talk of a looming recession.
2. Employers are realizing that artificial intelligence isn’t a novelty—it’s technology that can transform how work is done, enabling fewer employees to deliver the same level of productivity. (SUMMARY: Employers are banking less on employees and more on AI.)
3. Employers are hiring only essential employees, those who can contribute measurable value to their profitability.
4. The job market is flooded with bad actors.

In light of the above, savvy job seekers are keeping in mind that employers are understandably trying to remain competitive (read: run lean) and therefore will:

Demonstrate how they can add measurable value to an employer.

Employers need to see how you’ll be a value-add to their business; therefore, your resume and LinkedIn profile need to clearly articulate how you improved your previous employer’s business. Employers are no longer willing to keep employees on payroll who aren’t contributing to their bottom line; therefore, they’re only hiring for positions that drive profitability.

Being able to answer the question, via your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and especially when interviewing—how your skills and experience have made a measurable difference to your previous employer’s revenue—will expedite your job search.

Have a 1 – 2-page resume.

The ongoing debate about the ideal length of a resume is childish, as it overlooks that most resumes are viewed on mobile devices, and the reader’s likely age isn’t considered. Resumes don’t get read; they get skimmed. Therefore, you need to make your resume as concise as possible, enhancing clarity by getting to the point and leaving a lasting impression rather than long, opinionated explanations.

Write your resume with the understanding that in the seconds it’s glanced at, the reader is looking for:

• Job title relevance
• Core skills that match the job description
• Recent experience
• Career progression 
• Employment stability

When interviewing, demonstrate that they’ll be manageable.

Showing you’re easy to get along with goes a long way toward getting hired. Fair or not, being likeable outweighs your skills and experience. Adopting a defensive attitude, or worse, showing a sense of entitlement, is how many job seekers get rejected.

Gladly do assessment tests and assignments.

Having interviewed thousands of candidates, I can unequivocally say that most talk a good game, but few can deliver. Increasingly, I’m seeing a disconnect between what candidates claim and what they can actually do.

Motivated job seekers don’t hesitate to prove themselves. They don’t see assignments as free work, but as an opportunity to prove themselves. If, for whatever reason, you’re opposed to doing assignments and assessments, then you’re free—an announcement on LinkedIn isn’t necessary—to leave the opportunity to someone who actually wants the job. Regarding the unsubstantiated claim that employers steal job candidates’ ideas and assignments, I’ve yet to see any solid evidence of this having ever happened.

Interview like a rock star!

If you don’t believe in yourself, then why should your interviewer? Get good—really good—at interviewing. “I’m not good at interviewing,” or “I’m an introvert,” are excuses job seekers tell themselves to stay in their comfort zone. Interviewing well, very well, is essential to landing a job; therefore, let go of the limiting beliefs that keep you from interviewing with confidence.

The key to interviewing well is to know your career story, where you want to take your career, and why and what value you have added to your previous employers.

Move on quickly.

Yes, ghosting is annoying, but you have to get over it. Ghosting is how younger generations, who are now gatekeeping jobs, communicate. As for rejection, it’s a given when job searching; therefore, expect it as part of the process. In terms of feedback, given the litigious world we live in, providing it is risky; hence, employers wisely don’t give it.

Accepting ghosting and rejection without judgment isn’t only mentally healthy; it also saves your energy for your job search.

Be willing to work on-site.

Since the employer is paying for the work their employees do, they have every right to decide where that work is done. For many reasons, employers are introducing return-to-office mandates. Holding out for a remote job is a surefire way to prolong your job search.

Not participate in the LinkedIn pity party or bashing employers.

It amazes me how many job seekers still don’t understand that employers review their LinkedIn activity and digital footprint to determine whether they’re interview-worthy, and that venting publicly about job search frustrations or criticizing how employers hire only shows employers you can’t control your emotions. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many job seekers exhibit online behaviour that’s hindering their job search.

In 2026, job search success will come down to making yourself easier for employers to choose.

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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.