The 2026 Job Market Prediction

After a turbulent stretch in hiring, what does 2026 really look like for job seekers and employers? In this episode of the 2Talented Podcast, we break down the latest economic and labor forecasts — pointing to a year of stabilization and modest growth — and compare it to Graham’s firsthand experience recruiting during the 2010 post–recession recovery. Just like 2010, 2026 is shaping up to be a transition year: hiring is improving, contract roles are strong, and confidence is slowly returning.

We also answer two popular questions from LinkedIn:
• Are cover letters still necessary in 2025?
• Is AI actually replacing jobs?

From the rise of resume summaries to how AI is reshaping (not eliminating) roles, we share what we’re really seeing in the market — including a real client example where AI “vibe coding” delayed hiring but didn’t replace it.

We wrap with actionable advice for job seekers heading into 2026, including why networking, patience, and flexibility around hybrid/onsite work may be the difference between landing a great role and staying stuck.

As always, we kick things off with our running and business updates before diving into what to expect from the year ahead.