If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ve probably seen a lot of doom-and-gloom about the job market. And yes, things are competitive and candidates are feeling the pressure.
But here’s what I want you to remember: even in a tough market, opportunity hasn’t disappeared. It’s just more important than ever to approach your job search with intention, strategy, and confidence in the value you bring.
That’s why I want to share three career skills that matter most in 2026 — the ones I see helping job seekers stand out and land offers.
Let’s break them down so you can handle your next application and walk into your next interview feeling grounded and in control.
1. Track your wins in real time
One of the most powerful confidence builders I teach is keeping a running record of your accomplishments. Not once a year, not when you’re suddenly job searching, but as you go and complete tasks.
Why? Because your accomplishments are often numbers, outcomes, and measurable results, and numbers are incredibly easy to forget once a project is done. You move on to the next deadline, the next task, the next fire.
Before you know it, the details blur. And when the time comes to talk about your impact, you’re left trying to reconstruct results that were crystal clear six months ago.
Now is the right time to look back and write down your 2025 accomplishments before the holiday season begins.
Why it matters:
- You’ll write a stronger resume more quickly, without guessing or digging through old emails (especially if your access got cut).
- You won’t get stuck in the “I know I achieved great things, but what were the numbers again?” loop.
- You’ll have clear, specific STAR stories ready for any interview.
But this isn’t just about job searching. Your success inventory becomes a career tool you can use in almost every big moment:
- When you discuss a promotion: You can clearly show how your work has grown, expanded, and delivered results.
- If you’re negotiating a raise: You walk in with concrete evidence of your impact.
- For annual performance reviews: Instead of scrambling to remember what you did all year, you show up prepared and confident.
- Manager check-ins: You can advocate for more responsibility, new projects, or training opportunities with proper evidence to back it up.
2. Learn to negotiate early in your career
Negotiation is no longer something you grow into once you hit a senior title. In today’s market, everybody negotiates, even interns and early-career professionals.
I know this can feel uncomfortable, but the sooner you learn to advocate for yourself, the stronger your entire career trajectory will become.
- Employers expect negotiation
Negotiating is not rude. In fact, most hiring managers are prepared for it and often leave room in the offer for a conversation. - Negotiation isn’t just about salary
You can negotiate your start date, title, responsibilities, project scope, professional development, remote flexibility, PTO, and growth opportunities. These “non-salary” items often shape your day-to-day satisfaction and long-term path more than the compensation itself. - The first offer is rarely the final offer
Market surveys consistently show that the initial number changes in roughly 80–85% of professional negotiations. - Negotiating early builds lifelong earning power
The wage gap narrows most for people who advocate for themselves from the beginning. This is because every raise, promotion, or future offer is anchored to what you accepted before.
3. Network relentlessly
I’ve always been a strong believer in the “hidden job market” that comes with referrals. In fact, referral candidates are 4x more likely to get hired than cold applicants.
You have to be strategic about it, though. Don’t push your resume into every conversation or ask strangers for favors. You need to build gradual, genuine, warm relationships rooted in curiosity and real interest.
People love to talk about their work and share what they know, but they don’t like to feel obligated. Don’t expect strangers to get you into job interviews just like that.
LinkedIn is a great place to shoot someone a DM saying:
I’ve been following [Company]’s work in the dev space, especially the projects around [specific teacher product], and it’s exactly the kind of work I’m excited about. Do you happen to know if your dev team is hiring or planning to expand soon? No pressure at all! Even a bit of advice or a pointer in the right direction would mean a lot. Thanks so much for your time, and happy to share anything I can help you with as well.
The holiday season is one of the easiest and most natural times to network.
People are more relaxed, more social, and far more open to spontaneous conversations at events and family or social gatherings because they tend to have more time compared to the rest of the year. This softer context often leads to some of the most genuine and productive career conversations.
