Looking forward: Setting yourself up for success in 2026

Market Update and Hiring Trends: Max and Riley provided an overview of the current job market, highlighting seasonal hiring patterns, economic uncertainty, and the increased demand for technical HR roles, with a focus on interim and fractional positions.

Preparation Strategies for Job Seekers: Max and Riley outlined actionable steps for candidates to prepare for the upcoming hiring season, including updating resumes and LinkedIn profiles, networking, and refining interview techniques.

AI and HR Technology Integration: Riley and Max discussed the growing importance of AI in HR, the expectation for candidates to be AI-literate, and shared resources for learning about HR AI tools, referencing recent webinars and industry trends.

Emerging HR and Workplace Trends: Riley and Max highlighted several HR trends for the coming year, including hybrid and blended roles, the return to office, the need for HR to demonstrate commercial value, strategic workforce planning, and the rise of skills-based hiring.

Targeting Companies and Job Search Tools: Max and Riley provided guidance on identifying target companies, leveraging market intelligence, and using digital tools like LinkedIn and ChatGPT to streamline the job search process.

Q&A: HR AI Products, Interview Timing, and Networking Events: During the Q&A, Max and Riley addressed questions about recommended HR AI products, expected interview timelines for the new year, and provided information on networking events and tools for job seekers.

Q&A: LinkedIn Tools and Alternatives: Max and Riley responded to questions about alternatives to LinkedIn Recruiter and the value of LinkedIn Premium for job seekers, concluding that while alternatives are limited, LinkedIn Lite offers some functionality and Premium may not be essential.