What It Will Take To Get Hired In 2026 with David Jones

The rules around work, hiring, and what a suitable candidate looks like for a hiring manager are changing fast. We’re seeing shifts driven by tech and demographics which are likely to only move further in 2026.

That’s why, in this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by David Jones, Labor Market Economist and CEO & Talent Partner at talent assessment, technology, and leadership development company, Mercer Talent Enterprise. We break down what’s coming next, and what both candidates and employers need to pay attention to heading into 2026.

From how graduates can navigate a new career while AI technologies rapidly advance, to the traits that will separate top candidates from the rest, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate what’s ahead with clarity.

Covered in this episode:

00:00 - Intro
01:22 - What’s changing across the talent landscape in 2026?
03:22 - Where demand is rising for graduates.
03:43 - How people staying in jobs longer changes the workplace.
07:57 - The number one trait the next generation needs to develop in 2026.
09:58 - How to position yourself strategically as a candidate as technology advances.
12:10 - ‘AI CV tells’ - what hiring teams can spot immediately.
13:56 - How hiring analysis is evolving and how standout candidates are being identified.
18:02 - How generational shifts are changing candidate evaluation.
20:45 - How the next generation can challenge outdated workplace assumptions.
23:40 - Why education struggles to keep pace with new technology and ways of working.
And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

David Jones on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw