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New Year, New You Finance, Careers & Personal Development New year, new career


The job market is tough right now, especially for those just starting out on a career. Here, experts share tips on how candidates can stand out from the crowd. Words: Annie Makoff


M


any of us like to start the year afresh. According to the Recruitment and Employment


Confederation (REC), January 2025 saw a spike in jobseeker activity — and 2026 is likely to be the same. Yet for those of us who’ve either


recently fi nished their studies or decided to take on a new career, the process can be overwhelming. Here, experts reveal how to navigate the job market in the new year.


Spotlight the skills “In 2026, the professional landscape will demand well-rounded professionals more than ever due to the increasing infl uence of AI,” says Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal. Artifi cial intelligence (AI) could ‘level the playing fi eld’ in terms of technical acumen, so human skills could become a real diff erentiator. “AI can process data, but it can’t replicate empathy, commercial judgement or relationship building. Employers are therefore looking for adaptability and other human skills above all else.” Stephen Isherwood, joint CEO at


SEARCHING THE JOB MARKET / PEXELS


the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) agrees. Employers he’s spoken to are often looking for ‘good cognitive abilities’ such as problem-solving and analytical skills. Resilience is also critical. “Resilience has


Reducing gambling harms


Breakeven off ers free treatment, support and advice for anybody aff ected by gambling or harmful gaming-related behaviour — this includes the gambler, partners, family members and friends, who may be impacted


Operating for over 20 years, Breakeven off ers free treatment, support and ad- vice for anybody aff ected by gambling or harmful gaming-related behaviour — this includes the gambler, partners, family and friends, who may be im- pacted. With no waitlists for support, anyone living in East or South East England can reach out for one-to-one counselling, which can be delivered via telephone or video calling, or in person in one of Breakeven’s offi ces.


In addition to treatment services,


Breakeven also off ers free training for professionals working across the region as part of the Bet You Can Help programme — accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health. As part of this training, profession- als from all sectors and industries can develop their knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness of gambling-related harms; under- stand the nature of harmful gam- bling and gambling-related harms and their impact on health and well- being; discover how to provide help and support to an individual at risk of, or aff ected by, gambling-related harms and signpost to appropriate specialist services. With less than 5% of organisations having a gambling harm policy, Breakeven can help en- sure that anyone that needs support is able to fi nd to it. T e UK has one of the largest gam-


bling markets in the world, with near- ly half of UK adults taking part in some form of gambling over the past 12 months. Breakeven also shares practical tips for safer gambling to support risk reduction and minimise the chance of harms: • Set a clear budget and stick to it • Remember that gambling isn’t a guaranteed way to make money


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• Take regular breaks and avoid gam- bling late at night


• Online gambling presents greater risk of harm due to speed of play linked to heavier losses


• Avoid gambling alone • Balance gambling with other hob- bies and social activities.


If your own gambling or someone else’s is causing you to worry, then speak to Breakeven E: info@breakeven.org.uk T: 01273 833722 breakeven.org.uk


Visit Breakeven’s online recovery


toolkit for help on safer gambling. If you’re concerned about gam-


bling, Breakeven can off er a safe space to talk, learn and take positive steps forward.


Promotional Content • Saturday 10th January 2026


become a much more sought-after skill,” he says. “Candidates should demonstrate resilience in how they’ve dealt with uncertainty and confl icting demands.”


Originality sells According to Kate, employers are interested in a candidate’s “unique journey”. So don’t just list responsibilities in CVs — highlight where problems have been solved, skills learned or barriers overcome. “In a world of standardised applications, we want to see your story, not just your grades,” she explains. “Employers are looking for evidence of curiosity and grit. And for candidates from under- represented groups, never hide your non-traditional background. It’s often evidence of the very resilience and determination that modern businesses are desperate for.” T is is particularly important


in standing out in the age of automation, where AI is increasingly supporting recruitment. “Personality and uniqueness will matter more than ever,” says Nichola Hay, director of apprenticeship strategy and policy at BPP. “Employers are increasingly looking for authenticity, individuality


and human qualities that technology can’t replicate.”


Showcase casual work “Students often underestimate cafe, bar or supermarket work they’ve done,” says Stephen. “But there are so many valuable skills gained in these environments.” Nishi Patel, MD of N-Accounting,


believes getting a part time job while studying is key. “Getting a part-time job is crucial. An academically average candidate with good work experience will usually be a better hire than an academically excellent candidate without any,” she says.


Positive presence Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to searching for jobs: controversial posts will never go down well with employers. But platforms such as LinkedIn can be a useful tool. According to Nishi, candidates can best market themselves by having a personal brand on social media. “Candidates who’ve shared insightful views about previous work or studies they’ve done will have the upper hand,” she says. “We’re looking for people who are passionate and can form opinions.”


LINKEDIN / PEXELS


For a self


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