Hiring Managers Reveal How To Get Hired in 2026

With employers expecting another tight labor market in 2026, candidates will continue to face intense competition for roles. Hiring managers say only a few traits reliably separate candidates who rise to the top from everyone else.

ResumeTemplates.com’s latest survey highlights exactly what they’re looking for and what gets applicants rejected instantly.

3 Skills Candidates Must Demonstrate To Get Hired in 2026

Hiring managers point to three skills as the most essential for candidates to demonstrate when applicant volume is high. These are the traits they say help candidates stand out in crowded pools and rise above the competition in 2026.

1. Communicate effectively

In a tight labor market, candidates need to communicate clearly and confidently. Every single touchpoint is an opportunity to show this skill, starting with the initial email or application. Strong applicants keep their messages concise, organized, and easy to follow, and they use interviews to demonstrate that they can listen, respond thoughtfully, and articulate their ideas effectively without rambling. Communication becomes the first impression hiring managers form, long before a candidate walks through the door. Communication becomes the first impression hiring managers form, long before a candidate walks through the door.

2. Show professionalism

Candidates also need to demonstrate professionalism, showing the tone, clarity, and maturity employers rely on when screening crowded applicant pools. This includes how you dress, whether you arrive on time, how well-prepared you are, and the way you manage yourself under pressure. Professionalism shines through in small details, such as how you follow up and communicate respectfully, and whether you approach the process with intention rather than casualness.

3. Demonstrate adaptability

The third requirement is adaptability. Hiring managers say candidates must demonstrate their ability to adapt quickly and handle shifting priorities to remain competitive in 2026. This means being comfortable when plans change, demonstrating your ability to learn new tools or processes without friction, and discussing past examples where you successfully pivoted. Adaptable candidates signal they’re ready for the pace and unpredictability of 2026 workplaces. 

“Candidates who want to stand out need to demonstrate that they can communicate clearly, present themselves professionally, and adapt quickly,” says ResumeTemplates’ Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre.

“Clear communication comes through in everything from concise resumes to well-structured interview answers. Professionalism shows up in tone, preparedness, and how candidates communicate throughout the process. Adaptability is best demonstrated through real examples of navigating change, learning new tools, or taking on unfamiliar responsibilities. When candidates actively highlight these traits, hiring managers notice.”

The Fastest Ways Candidates Get Rejected in Crowded Applicant Pools

Hiring managers were asked how likely different missteps are to result in a candidate being rejected in a crowded applicant pool, and their answers make the biggest deal-breakers unmistakably clear. These are the mistakes most likely to disqualify candidates.

1. Weak communication and unprofessional tone

Poor communication and unprofessional tone top the list of red flags. When candidates give unclear answers, dodge questions, or use overly casual or sloppy language, hiring managers immediately question their readiness. Tone matters as much as the content: emails that read too informally, interview responses that feel unpolished, or messages that lack basic courtesy all signal a lack of maturity. Because communication is visible at every stage of the hiring process, these missteps become instant deal-breakers.

2. Poor attention to detail

Lack of attention to detail is the second biggest red flag. Typos, inconsistencies, missing information, or poorly formatted materials raise immediate concerns about reliability. Hiring managers assume that mistakes during the application stage will multiply on the job.

3. Weak problem-solving skills

Weak problem-solving skills round out the top concerns. Candidates who cannot clearly explain how they approach challenges, structure decisions, or evaluate tradeoffs appear unprepared for the demands of 2026’s workplace. Hiring managers seek individuals who can think logically and remain calm in uncertain situations.
“Candidates can avoid the most common rejection pitfalls by being intentional about how they communicate and present their work,” says Toothacre. “Clear, professional communication should show up in every interaction, from emails to interview responses. Attention to detail matters just as much, which means proofreading materials and making sure examples are specific and accurate. Candidates should also be ready to walk through how they solve problems, using real experiences that show their thought process. These steps help hiring managers quickly see a candidate’s readiness and reliability.”

Methodology
In November 2025, ResumeTemplates.com surveyed 1,005 business leaders involved in hiring decisions using the Pollfish platform, which employs Random Device Engagement (RDE). Participants were required to meet strict demographic criteria to ensure all respondents held roles with direct insight into evaluating candidates in a competitive job market.