Why Investment Banking Candidates Have the Edge In 2026 with Emily Long

For the first time in years, the balance is shifting in the investment banking sector.

As activity rebounds and competition for top talent grows, 2026 is shaping up to be a renaissance year for investment banking. And because of this, firms will need to start selling themselves to candidates, not the other way around.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Emily Long, one of the most successful investment banking recruiters in Selby Jennings’ history and a true expert on the market.

Emily breaks down what’s driving the surge in hiring activity, how the talent bar is evolving, and what both candidates and firms need to understand to stay competitive.

If you’re working in investment banking or looking to break into the sector, this episode will help you understand how to position yourself strategically in this critical period.

Covered in this episode:

1. 0:00 - Intro.
2. 1:15 - How high is the talent bar in investment banking right now?
3. 2:32 - What’s driving the uptick in activity in 2026?
4. 3:08 - How candidates can stand out in a competitive market.
5. 4:46 - How firms can attract the right talent in a candidate-driven market.
6. 7:37 - What firms need to be aware of in this hiring environment.
7. 9:49 - The role bonuses play in attracting top performers.
8. 11:4 - What most affects bonus outcomes?
9. 13:17 - How candidates can leverage counter offers strategically.
10. 15:28 - How AI is affecting investment banking - are roles at risk?
11. 17:45 - What’s exciting candidates about AI?
12. 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/

Emily Long on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-long-hire

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