Searching Smarter Podcast: What It Will Take to Get Hired In 2026

What happens when the career paths we’ve relied on no longer exist?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak with David Jones, CEO and Partner at Mercer Talent Enterprise, to unpack the global shifts affecting how we define, assess, and retain talent in 2026. From the vanishing of entry-level roles to the complex motivations of Gen Z, David offers a candid view on what employers and professionals must prepare for.

If you’re hiring, job seeking, or guiding others through today’s workforce challenges, this conversation reveals how AI and evolving expectations are reshaping success.

What you can except to hear:

• Why traditional entry-level roles are disappearing and what that means for the next generation
• What younger professionals really want from employers, beyond the usual headlines
• The core skill employers are now using to separate standout candidates from the rest

This episode offers practical insight into how companies can modernise their talent strategy and how candidates can position themselves with confidence. The future of work is changing quickly - this conversation helps you keep pace.

Want more?

At the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak to the brightest and boldest minds in financial sciences & services. From talent acquisition leaders and hiring managers to world-class professionals, we delve into all the ways they leverage top talent to drive their businesses forward. Listeners will walk away with expert guidance on how to attract, acquire and retain high-performing teams, as well as what it takes to be a part of one.

It's available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.​ So listen, learn, and let us know what you think.