Job Searching in 2026

Job searches have always evolved with the times. The strategies I recommended in 2015 were different from what I recommended in 2021. And now they're changing again in 2026.

1. When submitting an application for a job, aim to apply via the company's website as often as possible. For larger organizations, you'll most often be inputting information into Workday. If you see a job on LinkedIn, but can't find its twin on the company's career page, assume the job isn't real. If the job poster has an odd-looking profile, with very few connections, or a Gmail address for the contact info, assume the job isn't real.

2. For every application submitted, aim to connect with three employees of the company you're targeting. They could be future colleagues. They could be managers or directors or members of the C-suite. Start a conversation with these people. Get to know them, ask questions. Be open about your job search and your interest in the company.

3. For every application submitted, write one public post on LinkedIn that showcases your expertise. Write about your professional history. Write about the problems you've solved in your career. Write your thoughts on your industry, or share how you troubleshoot challenges, or talk about lessons learned.

Pro-Tip 1: Your new connections will see your posts - take advantage of the visibility! Make yourself as memorable as possible to your future colleagues. Give them a reason to recommend you as a potential employee of their company.

Pro-Tip 2: Some companies reward employees for bringing in referrals. Those companies will give their employees a unique referral link to share with potential candidates. If you tell your new connection about a job you're interested in, they might send over a referral link for that specific job. It can sometimes be worth holding off on submitting an application to see if a referral program exists first.

Find a visual of my approach to job searching in 2026 by clicking on the link here: Gabrielle Turmelle’s Miro Board

—
Follow #GabbyTurmelle on LinkedIn