Why the 2026 Job Market Is Different

It was fascinating to look back at my copy for Episode #10, which aired on 12/06/2017.

In that episode, I focused on what TheJobNetwork.com had to say about resumes, the role of personality in the interview process, how important a candidate’s social media presence was, and specific strategies around including metrics in your resume. I also talked about the increasing use of the phone interview as a screening device.

While none of that has really gone away, the focus most certainly has shifted.

I decided to approach this topic from two perspectives: Strategies for those of you planning to start a job search in 2026, and strategies for those of you who have been job searching with limited success.

I’m going to give you a big picture view, a checklist, and five bottom-line tips.

Planning to Start a Job Search in 2026

Big Picture View: It’s a very different landscape out there – especially if you haven’t had to look for a job in a few years.

You’re competing with AI agents who are applying for jobs on candidates’ behalf, meaning the applicant pool is deeper and murkier than ever.

You’re also dealing with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that may screen you out before the humans ever see your materials.

If all you are doing is looking at job boards, YOU ARE NOT JOB SEARCHING. There HAS to be more to your job search.

As if all of that wasn’t frustrating enough, companies are increasingly making candidates jump through a myriad of hoops before making offers.

Your Checklist:

-Make sure your resume is targeted, achievement-rich, and in a format that can be read by the ATS.

-Update your LI profile – and it shouldn’t be just a cut-and-paste of your resume.

-Identify your 4-5 employer non-negotiables, then begin researching companies that provide ALL of your non-negotiables.

-Determine a strategy for making contact with people inside those organizations and/or who know the decision maker(s). Then get busy.

-Develop a multi-pronged job search strategy with specific action steps for each strategy. Measure your success by achievement of those action steps – NOT by how many interviews or job offers you got that week (which are out of your control).

-Schedule your job search time and include your deliverables on your calendar so you can hit the ground running each time. I recommend 5 hours/week if you are working full-time; 30 hours/week if you are unemployed.

Five Bottom-Line Tips:

-When applying to positions posted on LinkedIn or other aggregate boards, go directly to the company or organization website to actually apply. Get all the intel you can and make connections via LinkedIn – but apply directly on the company’s website.

-Use the +1 Approach when applying online – doing one more thing in addition to just applying online like everyone else.

-Networking truly is the name of the game – but there’s an art AND a science to it. Learn how to network effectively, with an equal amount of give and take.

-Set up a structure for your job search – block off times to job search on your calendar, and as I previously said, include your deliverables in that block of time. This becomes your measure of success.

-Manage your mind throughout your job search. The rejections and crickets mean what YOU make them mean. Unless you received notification that you were a terrible candidate, decide on a better story that serves you. For example, “An even better job is coming along for me – I’m so excited!”

Continuing Your Job Search in 2026

Everything I’ve just said applies to you. In addition, you likely have some frustration, disappointment, and perhaps even some slacking off to deal with, so I want to give you five additional bottom-line tips:

-The past is the past. No matter how frustrating or disappointing it was, you have the option to clear the slate and start fresh in 2026. Your past doesn’t define your future unless you allow it to.

-If you didn’t have a multi-pronged job search strategy with specific action steps, you need one ASAP. This is a non-negotiable step for job search success.

-Watch your words…and your thoughts. They matter. Saying things like “I don’t know how to network” does NOT serve you. I’m not asking you to say that things are great and perfect, but “I’m learning how to network” is much better than “I don’t know how to network.” Pay attention.

-Tell yourself the truth. Rather than believing that the job market sucks – what are you actually doing to land your next job? If your networking efforts are unsuccessful, what can you do to improve both your networking skills and strategy? I’m not asking you to beat yourself up – just to take control.

-Go after companies that are in perfect alignment with what you’re looking for – which begins by defining your non-negotiables. 70-80% of all jobs are obtained through the hidden or unadvertised job market – and those jobs are the cream of the crop. If all you are doing is responding to posted opportunities, you’re missing as much as 4/5 of all jobs.

The Document & Coaching Package is designed for current job seekers who want world-class marketing documents, a targeted, proactive job search strategy that gets results, and skill-building around how to network, interview, and negotiate compensation. To learn more or to schedule a consult, visit my website at https://theexclusivecareer.com/doccoach or email me at lesa@theexclusivecareer.com.