Three Predictions for the 2026 Job Market

Whatever you were putting off until January, it's now go time. In support of your career and board-related goals, we've got our top predictions for the 2026 market as well as a new FREE DAILY resource designed to help you stay a step ahead of your competition.

Our Top 3 Predictions for the 2026 Market

One of the most common questions we’re getting right now is, "What should senior leaders expect as we move into 2026?" Our team has been talking to recruiters, as well as poring over the news and latest economic data, and here are our top three predictions to help you navigate your search in the near term: 

Prediction One: Hiring will continue, but it will still be slow

Offers are still being made, but companies will continue to move through the process slowly and deliberately, as we saw throughout 2025.Strategic, high-impact roles are taking longer to approve (and the qualifications are getting more specific) as organizations remain hesitant to make large payroll commitments while navigating ongoing economic uncertainty.

What this means for you: Every opportunity matters. You have to maximize every shot on goal, so each conversation, interview, and negotiation needs to be strategic and well positioned. This also means you can't pursue just one opportunity at a time, no matter how perfect it seems. Many hiring processes are taking 5 or more months right now, and if you come in second place, you'll have to restart your search from zero.

Prediction Two: Standing out as a human will matter more than beating the botsThe use of AI agents are increasing to auto-apply to online job postings, making it nearly impossible for any human to truly stand out in a pile of 1,000+ applications. The advantage for job seekers will be to shift away from volume and instead focus on human visibility and relationships.

This is emphasized by Heidi Barnett, the president of talent acquisition for the HCM and recruitment platform iSolved. In a recent Forbes article she said, “In 2026, hiring will be more about standing out as human. As AI floods the hiring process with noise, the candidates who rise to the top will be those who can show real results, tell their story authentically, and bring evidence of impact.”

What this means for you: This reinforces what we see from the most successful candidates. They lean on strong networks, authentic storytelling, and evidence-backed leadership narratives instead of trying to win at the job-board game. 

Prediction Three: AI expertise will be important for all functions, not just tech

Even companies that were resistant to adoption even just six months ago (like professional services and consulting), are now encouraging the use of AI throughout their organizations. We're seeing AI knowledge (if not expertise) cropping up in job descriptions for nearly every function now. 

What this means for you: If you're not in a tech role, you're likely not expected to be an AI expert. But you will be expected to understand how to leverage AI to drive outcomes. If you haven't already, now is the time to start getting comfortable with it.

Introducing the D&S Executive Career Brief: Your Daily Edge in a Competitive Market

We're incredibly excited to announce the launch of our new daily 10-minute simulcast, D&S Executive Career Brief, created for senior leaders who want a clear edge in today’s executive job market and board landscape.

This show delivers the day's most important news shaping executive hiring, board governance, recruitment trends, and leadership careers. All in just 10 minutes. No fluff. Just insights you can use.

Catch our live stream every weekday at 12 PM EST on LinkedIn Live and YouTube, with replays available via our podcast.

If you want a trusted, up-to-the-minute view of the executive market, this is your daily briefing.

Where to watch or listen:• LinkedIn: Follow our company page here

YouTube: Subscribe to our channel here

Podcast: Listen on Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music

And if you've been joining our regular weekly LinkedIn Lives on Thursdays, don't worry. We'll continue to bring you deep-dive strategy, expert guests, and the practical, tactical advice to advance your executive and board careers. Join us every Thursday at 12:30 pm EST on our LinkedIn company page. 

About D&S Executive Career Management:

We specialize in accelerating career transitions for senior executives and board candidates to land faster without leaving money on the table. Using our proprietary Executive Edge Method™, we've supported thousands of executives in landing top jobs in competitive markets and securing prestigious board appointments.

If you're facing an executive job search, building your board portfolio, or managing high-stakes leadership transitions, let's discuss how our proven methodology can cut your timeline and eliminate costly missteps. Schedule a confidential consultation here.