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12 Types of People Who Will Have an Easy Time Getting a Job in 2026

The competition is rough out there. See who has the best chance of success.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Jessica Gibson

Updated Feb. 13, 2026

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The word of the year may as well be "layoffs" as tech giants and the federal government slash jobs left and right. Estimates indicate that as many as 300,000 federal workers have been fired since the beginning of 2025, flooding the market with career professionals who did not expect to enter the private sector.

The jobs market was already struggling, forcing many to seek new ways to supplement their income. And for those on the job hunt, certain things can set you up for success as you meet with potential employers.

If you're one of these people, you may be more likely to get hired in 2026.

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People who align with company values

Many corporate environments stress the importance of "cultural fit." This intersection of personal and organizational values meshes well to create a mutually beneficial employment collaboration. It's not just businesses seeking value alignment; job applicants also seek companies that align with their stated core values.

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People who have a strong portfolio

A strong career portfolio will highlight the most important aspects of one's professional background while showcasing the applicant's best work.

Getting a taste of previous work can add flavor to a resume that demonstrates experience. This adds a more personal perspective on what the candidate's day-to-day work might look like.

People who prepare well for interviews

"Dress for success" is often touted as the standard for interview preparation, but for most performance-based roles, it takes more than that.

Prepared candidates will have spent time studying the employer's website and public footprint and thoroughly examined the job description to explain how their skills relate to the posted duties and responsibilities. Having a list of their own questions to ask the interviewer will also make them appear more attractive to employers.

People who can easily adapt

Many businesses must adapt to rapid change and need their workforce to accommodate shifting requirements and objectives. Those who can quickly adjust to shifting circumstances and still meet expectations are often valued by employers.

People with a positive attitude

A healthy, positive working attitude means maintaining good relationships with colleagues, approaching new ideas with a sense of optimism, and being open to opportunities.

The best job applicants will provide examples that showcase their positive attitude without having to label it as such. This trait can also help one build more wealth and advance into promotions further along in their career.

People who think out of the box

Creative thinkers can apply their skills across different situations and solve unexpected problems without routine answers.

Interviewers are more likely to hire you if they hear examples of solutions that provide quantifiable and measurable results. This demonstrates that you would have good judgment when implementing their ideas.

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People who are results-oriented

Hiring managers love solid, results-oriented data that shows the impact of the applicant's work. There are always roadblocks to getting the job done. Being able to articulate the challenges and the solutions that led to great results demonstrates determination and follow-through, qualities that make for a great employee.

People who are communicative

Employers seek out potential team members who operate with transparency, effectively relaying problems, and seek input from others to keep the team dynamics flowing smoothly.

Candidates who can articulate their own thoughts, as well as listen actively to others, are able to navigate job interviews with dexterity. This demonstrates that they know how to effectively operate as part of a team.

People who are technically competent

There are three categories of competence: transferable skills, industry-specific skills, and occupation-specific skills. Already possessing the technical skills needed to get the job done helps the company avoid wasting money and reduces the amount of new training employers will have to provide before seeing a return on their employee investment.

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People who are always learning

Signing up for additional training and certifications when an employer offers them shows a passion for continuing education. It shows you have the ambition to get the job done as well as possible.

It's not just official programs that help candidates stand out, either. Seeking on-the-job learning from mentors also demonstrates your eagerness to learn.

People who are enthusiastic

Most employees are likely to spend as much time at work as they do with their spouses, so it's important to actually like what you'll be doing for 40 hours a week. According to Forbes, hiring managers are 43% more likely to hire candidates who display enthusiasm for the position and work overall.

People willing to use generative AI

There is a big rise in job postings seeking people to use or train generative AI. According to Coursera's latest Job Skills Report, generative AI is the fastest-growing skill for 2026, with a 234% year-over-year increase in employer demand.

With such a rapidly growing field, companies will want to leverage it by recruiting employees who are already skilled in it.

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Bottom line

It's a tough time for job-seekers. From frustrating application processes to unanswered emails, it may seem like the job market has become a numbers lottery.

There is no magic combination of perfect skills and qualities that will guarantee candidates a job. However, focusing on the things within one's control can help one's chances of getting hired. These 12 skills are a solid place to start as you get on track to boosting your bank account.

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