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Getting Ahead in 2026: Tips for Job Seekers and Hiring Teams

  • Writer: Olivia Beyer
    Olivia Beyer
  • 11 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

As 2025 winds down and the new year approaches, the job market heats up again. Companies often kick off a hiring surge in January, so now is the time to get organised and stand out.  


Our Senior Recruitment Consultant Olivia Beyer has given her insights on how both job seekers and hiring managers can prepare for the fast-paced January market.  


From sharpening your profile to crafting standout job ads, her insights offer practical steps to help both sides of the hiring table hit the ground running, and keep momentum going, after the holiday shut down!



For Job Seekers   

How to Prepare Now for the January Hiring Rush  

December is one of the most underrated windows for career prep. It’s quieter, people are winding down, and that makes it the ideal moment to get organised without the noise of peak hiring periods.  


I recommend doing all the annoying admin that, on any other given day, you’d put off:

  • Redoing your CV

  • Updating your LinkedIn

  • Finishing those certifications you’ve left hanging


This is also the best time to reflect on the past year while everything is still fresh:

  • Document your achievements

  • Reconnect with your network (before everyone disappears for the holidays)

  • Get clear on what you want from your next move


If relevant, tidy up your portfolio or GitHub and make sure any examples of your work are up to date. I also suggest thinking about your availability for January interviews so you’re ready to move quickly once things ramp up.   


The aim is simple: arrive in the new year polished and prepared, not scrambling.  



How to Stand Out in a Competitive January Job Market 


January is busy. Companies move fast, candidates move faster, and differentiation becomes essential. My biggest piece of advice: be intentional about how you tell your story. 


Go into interviews with strong, concise examples of the impact you’ve made, not just responsibilities, but results, and connect those achievements directly to the role you’re applying for. 


Always do your homework: understand the product, tech stack, recent projects, and anything that shows you’re genuinely engaged. 


The basics matter more than people realise, simple things like being responsive, prepared, and communicating professionally can lift you above other applicants when hiring managers are juggling multiple conversations. 


Confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm go further than you think! 



For Tech Hiring Managers 

Make Your Job Postings Stand Out for the Right Reasons 


Don't just rely on the typical 'perks' - hybrid working, Friday beers, onsite parking - to stand out... because (shocker) everybody has those. 


At first glance at a job posting, beyond tech stack and flexibility, candidates tend to look for a clear sense of impact. 


The companies that cut through the noise are the ones that articulate why the role matters.

 So, instead, focus on what the candidates really want to know: 


  • What problems the person will actually get to solve 

  • How the team is evolving 

  • Sharing real insight into your culture - not just values on a poster, but how you collaborate, how you support growth and what makes your environment genuinely different - goes a long way. 


In a busy new year market, authenticity and clarity are far more compelling than generic perks. 



Keeping Momentum Through the December/January Slowdown


If you're starting a process in December, be upfront about timing, set the expectation that the process will take longer than normal.


Be transparent that it could take until January to progress things properly, and make sure candidates know exactly what the timeline looks like. 



Communication will be your biggest advantage - even if there are no concrete updates, a quick check-in goes a long way. Just to let them know they're still top of mind and what the next steps will be once everyone is back online. 


Candidates will stay engaged when they feel informed and in-the-loop. 



The start of a new year brings both opportunity and urgency. 


Job seekers who plan ahead and communicate their value clearly will be in a strong position when the market re-energises. Hiring teams that act with transparency, purpose, and authenticity will attract the top tech talent they need. 


Whether you're moving roles or building a team, preparation in December sets you up to hit the ground running in January!

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