What you need to know about recruitment in 2026

Re-entering the professional services job market after years in a role can be daunting. Advances in technology and evolving employer expectations mean that candidates need an updated approach to land their target roles. This guide runs through some of the key changes that have reshaped recruitment over the past few years, and how you can adapt your application and interview techniques in response.

AI is a fact of life, but use it yourself with caution

Many employers are using AI tools to some extent in the recruitment process – AI-screened applications, automated scheduling, and skills assessments are now business as usual. That means paying careful attention to the structure and formatting of your CV and communications to ensure they’re clear, to the point and contain relevant keywords for your skills and experience – referring back to the job description is a useful guide here.

On the other hand, AI-generated applications, resumes and cover letters are easily spotted by hiring teams – and excessive use of AI text generators can be a turn-off for employers looking for authenticity. Our advice is to use AI judiciously. It’s acceptable to have Copilot or ChatGPT tidy up grammar or help summarise text to meet an application word limit, but when our clients are looking for tight culture and personality fits, it’s the genuine voices that stand out the most.

Proof-forward applications stand out more than CVs

The job titles you’ve held are less important to potential employers than the results you’ve delivered. Employers are increasingly calling for case studies, work samples and evidence of results. At the interview stage, scenario prompts, practical exercises, and portfolio reviews are becoming commonplace. Ideally, you should have two or three concise examples ready to discuss: in a problem – action – impact framework. 

Of course, we recognise that in the fields our candidates work in, their past successes are often bound by NDAs or confidentiality agreements. In that case, anonymise and generalise as needed – but stay focused on processes, controls, and outcomes to demonstrate your capabilities.

Relationships are still a valid currency, but broader in scope 

When you’re competing for roles that lean heavily on your ability to form trusted and productive relationships, it’s no surprise that a warm introduction from a former colleague or client counts for a lot. But professional communities are broader than just your contact list.

If you’re in the recruitment market, or planning to be, make sure you’re active in the right digital spaces for your niche – forums, social media groups, or membership communities. It’s not just about reading and reacting; it’s about actively contributing insights and advice to the discussion. Your professional voice online can filter through to the hiring desk more often than you think – especially when you’re pitching for highly specialised roles.  

Creativity and compliance go hand in hand

From private trust companies to single-family offices, hiring managers are looking for a crucial combination of mindset: being agile enough to serve changing client needs in a constantly evolving marketplace, while maintaining a firm grasp of the regulatory and compliance guardrails. 

Be prepared to talk through specific examples of times you’ve navigated significant regulatory updates, such as the implementation of FATCA/CRS or recent AML changes, and how you’ve communicated any restrictions that result from them to your clients. The aim is to show that you’re able to balance quality of client service with rigorous risk management.

Looking to make a career move? 

If you’re returning to the employment market after some time, you might find our 2026 Candidate Guide useful. You’ll find checklists for topics from resume writing to interview prep, along with guidance on differentiating between opportunities and evaluating culture. When you’re ready to start your search in earnest, Victus Search can help – we combine a global network of professional services clients with specialist recruitment expertise in matching talent to niche roles. Contact us to discuss your career objectives in confidence.