I recently read an interesting article that spoke to upcoming hiring trends in this new year. These predictions reveal why job hunting is becoming more difficult but, also, how to prepare and bend in moving through these challenges.
Here is a summary and how these are impacting the job market:
- More focused hiring
Employers are still feeling the effects of massive hiring from the pandemic, which resulted in increased costs and some chaos in managing these hires. Employers are looking to hiring ‘only those needed” and focused on hires in IT, Finance, and HR.
- More applicants leads to more work
With an influx of applications, it is leading to more work for those in the recruiting field as they review them. However, it was discussed that many of these applicants are using AI to create their resume, which can leave good hires left out if their resume does not match the value of one created by AI. This is leading HR workers to scan through more carefully to identify those good hires and which are BOT-created; this, then, leads to a slow-down in the hiring process but can help to remember if you are in waiting-mode.
- Job-Hugging
The study found that many employees are staying in their jobs, i.e. job-hugging. It was found that many are liking their organization’s culture and satisfied with their pay; however, if companies are not offering career growth and job progressions, they are more likely to leave for other opportunities. Job-hugging is making it more difficult to bring on new hires.
- Succession Planning is still a priority
The pandemic aftermath led to massive turnover, which was costly to organizations. This also led to holes in the leadership pipeline, which is now a priority in 2026. Recruiters are looking for people with ‘human skills,’ i.e. resilience, openness to learning, and empathetic. This gap is also opening opportunities for those in a variety of backgrounds and experiences to ascend into leadership positions. Good news for those who desire to lead.
- Skills are the ‘Hot Ticket’
The study identified that skills are still important, especially those related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), but are looking at those who are open and have a desire to learn, especially those already employed by the organization. Losses from the pandemic is leading companies to be more selective if they need to look outside for candidates. But one piece of good news is that employers are recognizing that they can’t keep open positions as they did in the past so they are more willing to look outside, which is good news for job candidates.
If you are already employed , raise your hand and speak up of your desire to take on more challenging work but focus on how it will benefit your team and the organization. If you are job-seeking, relate how you are open and adaptable to learning new skills and the benefits this will bring.
Job hunting can be very frustrating, as is movement working in an organization. With being more intentional, you can find success. Take advantage of what these five trends are speaking to so you have better outcomes.
“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” (Beverly Sills)
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