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New Year, New Job? Career Experts Share Their Top 5 Tips for Getting Hired

Diverse group of job applicants sitting in chairs outside of an office waiting for their interview appointments

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Starting a new year knowing you'll need a job is daunting in any economy — but in 2026, the anxiety is particularly real.

Job-hop confidence has dropped to its lowest point since 2021, according to a Gallup poll released Dec. 4, with only about a third of Americans saying they believe it’s a good time to look for work. Workers are bracing for a cooler hiring climate, and new grads are preparing for one of the most competitive markets in years. A report from Handshake, a career network for college students, found that job postings on the platform dropped more than 16% year over year, while the average number of applicants per role had surged 26%.

It’s no wonder starting a job search in 2026 feels intimidating. Thankfully, career experts say job seekers who prepare early and position themselves strategically can still have a meaningful advantage.

Here’s how to position yourself for success in 2026:

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1. Don’t just make a resume

This year, a traditional resume may not be enough — employers want proof of your abilities, not just a list of roles. Skills-based hiring, an approach that focuses on skills rather than credentials, has accelerated across industries; companies are looking for candidates who can demonstrate what they can do beyond listing it on their resumes.

“Degrees aren’t disappearing, but employers are prioritizing proof of skills,” says Christie Garton, founder and CEO of the 1,000 Dreams Fund, a nonprofit that supports women in their education and career dreams. “That means micro-credentials, hands-on projects, internships, apprenticeships, fellowships and work samples that show real capability.”

With AI reshaping many entry-level and administrative roles, Garton adds, concrete proof of how you solve problems and add value is becoming even more important. That means your portfolio should show not only what you did but also how you think.

“This could be shown by developing case studies of how you’ve navigated difficult situations, project or workplace successes and examples of leadership opportunities,” Garton says.

2. Identify your top three skills — and show receipts

Hiring managers are scanning hundreds of applications, and broad descriptions like “detail-oriented” or “strong interpersonal skills” rarely move the needle. Recruiters want to see how your strengths translate into impact. And more than that, they want to see evidence.

“It isn’t enough to articulate these broad terms,” says Sam DeMase, a career expert at ZipRecruiter. “To capture the recruiter’s attention, you need to be specific.”

That means highlighting your top three core skills and pairing each one with a clear, measurable example. It gives hiring managers a clear picture of the contributions you can make.

3. Tailor your job search

Casting a wide net may feel safer, but experts say it's rarely effective in a competitive market. Focusing on your niche(s) can help strengthen your applications.

“The more you can narrow down and specialize your resume and tailor your job search, the better results you’ll achieve,” DeMase says. “If you have a history of working in a particular category, lean into that, highlight it at the top of your resume and apply for jobs in a similar space.”

This approach makes your application more compelling and aligns with broader trends. Employers are increasingly prioritizing hands-on experience and demonstrable results over educational credentials alone, DeMase explains. Candidates who can clearly show impact in a specific field — whether it's health care, cybersecurity, AI or engineering — are more likely to stand out in a saturated applicant pool.

4. Become visible online

Before a recruiter ever reads your resume, chances are they're checking your LinkedIn. The professional networking site remains one of the most important places to signal your expertise.

In fact, 72% of recruiters use LinkedIn as part of the hiring process, and 87% use it to vet candidates, according to recent data from the company.

“Build your digital presence by optimizing your LinkedIn with endorsements and recommendations, measurable accomplishments and value-driven content that can differentiate you and indirectly showcase your writing ability and thought leadership,” says Adam Samples, president of talent solutions for Atrium, a talent solutions and extended workforce management firm.

A strong profile does more than make you discoverable to recruiters. Staying active on LinkedIn demonstrates your skills in action and positions you as someone who adds value to your field. When you’re ready to browse for jobs, the “Open to Work” feature discreetly signals to recruiters that you’re looking for opportunities.

LinkedIn reports that job seekers with complete, well-optimized profiles are up to 71% more likely to get interview invitations and may have access to more than twice as many job interview opportunities.

5. Grow your network

Mentorship and strategic networking remain some of the most important tools for advancing your career — especially in a cutthroat job market.

“We see mentorship change trajectories every day,” says Garton. “It helps early talent understand hiring expectations, gain insider knowledge and build the confidence to pursue opportunities that may feel out of reach.”

Growing your network doesn't have to require endless events or awkward conversations. It can take the form of connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, attending conferences and participating in mentorship programs.

“Find local networking events or connect with organizations that can connect you with mentorship opportunities,” Garton says. “It remains one of the most powerful accelerators for navigating an uncertain job market.”