{"id":8813,"date":"2025-11-02T20:56:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T20:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/?p=8813"},"modified":"2025-11-02T20:56:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T20:56:42","slug":"get-ready-for-2026-what-candidates-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/get-ready-for-2026-what-candidates-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Ready for 2026: What Candidates Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"360\" data-end=\"618\">As we head into 2026, the rules of job hunting are shifting; new skills, new technologies and new behaviours matter. At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\">Gough Recruitment<\/a>, we\u2019ve spotted some key changes that candidates should get ahead of now.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"660\">1. Expect AI in the Hiring Process<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"1251\">\n<li data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"893\">\n<p data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"893\">Analysts from Gartner, Inc. say that one of the dominant talent-acquisition trends for 2026 will be <strong data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"794\">AI-first high-volume hiring<\/strong>, revised recruiter skillsets, and AI-reshaped assessments. <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gartner.com\/en\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2025-10-07-gartner-says-ai-revolution-and-cost-pressures-are-two-forces-driving-the-top-four-trends-for-talent-acquisition-in-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">Gartner<\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"1069\">\n<p data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"1069\">Research shows many companies are already using AI for resume screening, candidate communications, video-interview analysis and more. <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hcamag.com\/au\/news\/general\/ai-could-run-hiring-processes-by-end-of-2026-poll-suggests\/547366?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">HRD Asia<\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1251\">\n<p data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1251\"><strong data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1090\">For candidates<\/strong> this means: your application and interview journey might involve automated screening tools, chatbot communications or video assessments. Being prepared matters.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1281\"><strong data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1279\">Action points for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1602\">\n<li data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1370\">\n<p data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1370\">Ensure your CV is clear, well-structured and keyword-optimised, but still personal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1498\">\n<p data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1498\">Be ready for video interview formats or AI-driven assessment tools, test your setup (camera, mic, lighting) ahead of time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1602\">\n<p data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1602\">When engaging with application portals or chatbots, be prompt and professional, small cues matter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1660\">2. The Skills Landscape is Changing \u2013 Human + Tech<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"2238\">\n<li data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1886\">\n<p data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1886\">With AI automating many routine tasks, employers are shifting focus to skills that machines can\u2019t replicate: critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence and collaboration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"2060\">\n<p data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"2060\">Technical skills remain important, but increasingly employers are using \u201cskill-based hiring\u201d rather than relying solely on degrees.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2238\">\n<p data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2238\"><strong data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2091\">What this means for you:<\/strong> Focus on building a portfolio of <strong data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2133\">both<\/strong> tech-savvy and human-centric skills. Show that you can work with technology, not just be replaced by it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2268\"><strong data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2266\">Action points for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2269\" data-end=\"2595\">\n<li data-start=\"2269\" data-end=\"2399\">\n<p data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2399\">Highlight in your CV or LinkedIn not just \u201cwhat you know\u201d but \u201cwhat you can do\u201d \u2014 problem solve, work in teams, handle change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2495\">\n<p data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2495\">Consider short-courses or micro-credentials in relevant technology or tools for your field.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2595\">\n<p data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2595\">Prepare examples for interviews that showcase your adaptability, creativity and ability to learn.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2657\">3. Be Transparent &amp; Prepared \u2014 Both Sides Are Watching<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"3183\">\n<li data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2895\">\n<p data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2895\">As AI is used in hiring, issues around bias, transparency and fairness are coming into focus. For example, candidates globally worry about AI-based tools favouring certain groups or being opaque. <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.glozo.com\/blog\/ai-recruitment-guide-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">glozo.com<\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3078\">\n<p data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"3078\"><strong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2925\">For you as a candidate:<\/strong> while you adapt, you also have rights. It\u2019s acceptable to ask questions about the process (e.g., is AI involved? how will my submission be assessed?).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3183\">\n<p data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3183\">Being prepared means not just being technically capable, but also understanding how the process works.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3213\"><strong data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3211\">Action points for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3563\">\n<li data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3332\">\n<p data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3332\">Read the job advertisement and any \u201cAbout the Process\u201d information carefully \u2014 what tools or steps are they using?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3459\">\n<p data-start=\"3335\" data-end=\"3459\">Ask friendly, professional questions if you get the chance: \u201cCould you tell me if there will be a video-based assessment?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3460\" data-end=\"3563\">\n<p data-start=\"3462\" data-end=\"3563\">Keep your online profiles up to date \u2014 many tools now cross-reference public data or social profiles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3633\">4. Make Your Application Stand Out \u2013 Authenticity Still Counts<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"4027\">\n<li data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3865\">\n<p data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3865\">With more candidates using generic templates (and even AI-generated CVs), the risk is your application may look \u201ctoo perfect\u201d and lose authenticity. Some recruiters are already seeing this. <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/30a032dd-bdaa-4aee-bc51-754867abbde0?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between overflow-hidden\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">Financial Times<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"4027\">\n<p data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"4027\"><strong data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3887\">Your advantage:<\/strong> highlight your story, your real achievements, your impact. One person\u2019s unique contribution stands out more than ten generic bullet points.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4029\" data-end=\"4057\"><strong data-start=\"4029\" data-end=\"4055\">Action points for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4058\" data-end=\"4422\">\n<li data-start=\"4058\" data-end=\"4173\">\n<p data-start=\"4060\" data-end=\"4173\">Use your CV intro or cover letter to tell your story: why this field, what you\u2019ve achieved, what you want next.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4302\">\n<p data-start=\"4176\" data-end=\"4302\">Choose one or two clear achievements with metrics if possible (e.g., \u201creduced downtime by 22% through process improvement\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4303\" data-end=\"4422\">\n<p data-start=\"4305\" data-end=\"4422\">Tailor each application rather than sending out the same generic doc \u2014 recruiters and AI alike pick up on repetition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4424\" data-end=\"4485\">5. Prepare for the Future \u2013 Your Career Beyond the Role<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4848\">\n<li data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4708\">\n<p data-start=\"4488\" data-end=\"4708\">The role you take in 2026 might not be the end state \u2014 it might be a stepping stone towards something else. Employers value candidates who show growth mindset and forward-thinking. <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kornferry.com\/insights\/featured-topics\/talent-recruitment\/ai-in-recruitment-trends?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between overflow-hidden\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">kornferry.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4709\" data-end=\"4848\">\n<p data-start=\"4711\" data-end=\"4848\"><strong data-start=\"4711\" data-end=\"4730\">What to do now:<\/strong> research where your industry is heading, what roles are emerging, and how you can add value beyond your current role.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"4878\"><strong data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"4876\">Action points for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4879\" data-end=\"5220\">\n<li data-start=\"4879\" data-end=\"4991\">\n<p data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4991\">Map a 2-3 year \u201cgrowth path\u201d for yourself: what new skills will you develop? what roles might you move into?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5092\">\n<p data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5092\">Stay curious: sign up for one professional newsletter, attend one webinar or event this quarter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5220\">\n<p data-start=\"5095\" data-end=\"5220\">Make sure your LinkedIn (or relevant platform) reflects you as someone ready for growth, not just someone applying for job X.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5238\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5239\" data-end=\"5574\">2026 won\u2019t look like previous years. The hiring process will be smarter, faster, and more tech-enabled. But the fundamentals haven\u2019t changed: you still need to be prepared, clear, and authentic. At Gough Recruitment, we\u2019ll be guiding both candidates and clients through this transition \u2014 helping you step into the future well-equipped.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5576\" data-end=\"5713\">Start today. Update your CV. Brush up on your tech comfort. Be ready to show both your human skills and your ability to work with change.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5576\" data-end=\"5713\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/candidate-registration\/\">Register your Candidate Profile<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5576\" data-end=\"5713\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we head into 2026, the rules of job hunting are shifting; new skills, new technologies and new behaviours matter. At Gough Recruitment, we\u2019ve spotted some key changes that candidates should get ahead of now. 1. Expect AI in the Hiring Process Analysts from Gartner, Inc. say that one of the dominant talent-acquisition trends for &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/get-ready-for-2026-what-candidates-need-to-know\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Get Ready for 2026: What Candidates Need to Know<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":8816,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8813"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8817,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813\/revisions\/8817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/8816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}