With the holidays fast approaching and 2026 about to roll in, this is a natural time for many people to reflect on where they’re at, and where they’d like to be. If you’re thinking about a change in the new year, here’s what you need to know about the current market and what to expect over the months ahead.
A good time to take stock
It’s incredibly common for people to reassess their career direction over the summer break. Stepping away from your day-to-day routine gives you space to think about whether your current role is still giving you the growth, stability, and enjoyment you need.
If you’re planning to explore new opportunities in early 2026, now’s a great time to update your CV, tidy up your LinkedIn, and start keeping an eye on the types of roles that interest you.
While some hold off, many organisations do advertise over the holidays, so if something great pops up during the break, you’ll be ready!
The job market right now
Throughout 2025, we saw a noticeable increase in the number of applications coming through for most roles. Remote-friendly positions and admin roles continue to attract high interest, but the lift has been consistent across the board.
For candidates, this means two things:
1. Competition is higher, so standing out through a well-crafted CV, strong cover letter, and clarity around your strengths is more important than ever
2. How you’re treated as a candidate matters. While ghosting has unfortunately been more common this year due to high application volumes, there’s a growing push for more consistent, respectful communication from employers
It’s been a tough market for many people, and emotions have understandably been running high. Don’t underestimate the value of working with recruiters or organisations that communicate clearly, respond respectfully, and give you a positive experience throughout the process.
Flexibility and hybrid work – still a priority
2025 brought a lot of chatter about returning to the office more often. And while some organisations are pushing for more in-person time, flexibility is still incredibly important to candidates, especially with the rising costs of commuting, childcare, and day-to-day living.
If flexible or hybrid work is a non-negotiable for you, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from job seekers, and we expect it to remain a key consideration across 2026.
Be upfront about what you need. The right organisation will value that clarity.
Regional differences – and what to expect
While the market has been active nationwide, some regions have been hit harder than others.
Wellington, in particular, has felt the impact of large-scale government restructures and redundancies, which have affected both permanent roles and contracting opportunities. In regions facing similar uncertainty, many candidates are prioritising:
- stability
- clear organisational direction
- confidence in leadership
- long-term viability
It’s completely reasonable to ask questions about structure, funding, culture, and strategic plans when considering a move. Good employers expect those questions and answer them openly.
The upside? Employers in affected regions are now seeing stronger, more experienced talent pools, creating opportunities for candidates who bring depth, resilience, and expertise.
AI in the job search
AI hasn’t gone away – it’s simply become part of the landscape. Tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful for drafting cover letters, brainstorming strengths, or tightening up your CV.
Just be careful not to let AI speak for you entirely. Recruiters can usually spot AI-generated content, and the strongest applications still feel personal and human.
AI can support your search beautifully, but your personality, stories, and achievements are still the most compelling part of your application.
What’s ahead for 2026?
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the job market can shift quickly. While no one can predict exactly what 2026 will look like, some things are clear:
- Many regions are stabilising and projecting modest growth
- Some areas, including Wellington, are still navigating the aftershocks of organisational change
- Candidates are prioritising stability, flexibility, and culture – not just salary
- Organisations are becoming more deliberate and thoughtful in their hiring decisions.
For job seekers, being prepared, informed, and open to different types of opportunities will really set you up well in 2026.
We’re here to support you
Whether you’re actively looking or just starting to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help with advice, market insights, and genuine guidance. If you’re considering a move in 2026, reach out. We’re always happy to talk through your options!
In the meantime, we hope you get a restorative break and head into the new year feeling confident and supported.
Good luck!
Kirsty and Nikki
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