Ready to make a professional move in 2026? Looking for the best job search strategies to help you get started?
24 Seven is here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time, consulting, or freelance position in the marketing, creative, tech, fashion, beauty, or retail sectors, starting your job search can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming endeavor if you know what to do.
Here are some of the best job search tips to help you streamline the process.
Your network could be comprised of past managers and colleagues, mentors, friends, former classmates, LinkedIn connections, and others you’ve met during your career.
If a former colleague is now working in a growth marketing position that you’re interested in, for instance, reach out and ask if they can provide some guidance that could be helpful in your own job search. If your old college friend works in an industry you’re hoping to transition into, ask them to chat so you can learn more about how you might leverage your experience and transferable skills within that field.
And don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn or other professional networks. If there is a specific company you want to work for, research the company and filter your search for people who work there to see if you have any mutual connections. If you feel comfortable, send a message, express your interest, and inquire about opportunities and the organizational culture.
Networking remains one of the most powerful ways to uncover unadvertised roles or freelance opportunities. This is especially true in a job market where demand for certain skills, like AI fluency, is growing rapidly.
In 2026, embrace “micro-networking.” Short, intentional interactions — commenting on someone’s post, sharing an article relevant to their work, or sending a quick note of appreciation — will help you stay top-of-mind without requesting long meetings or in-person coffee chats. These small touches can build momentum and often lead to deeper conversations when opportunities arise.
If it’s been a while since you last looked for a job, chances are your resume needs a revamp. Ensure your professional experience and skills are up to date and that you remove any dated language or irrelevant information. Also, tailor your resume to each role you seek by targeting keywords from the actual job listing.
As you work on updating your resume, don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile as well. Your About section should tell a concise but compelling story – who you are, what your expertise is, your professional passions, and top accomplishments.
If you have any professional work you’d like to feature (such as thought leadership articles, designs, presentations, videos, or any other type of work samples), consider adding those to your Featured section. Highlighting projects that incorporate AI and data-driven insights can help demonstrate your technical fluency and strategic mindset.
Hiring managers in 2026 will also scan for signals of adaptability and strong digital fluency, even for non-technical roles. Wherever pertinent, include examples of how you learned a new tool, improved efficiency, or streamlined a process. This shows you can succeed in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Finally, make sure your Experience section reflects both recent and relevant work. You can mirror your resume here or give a high-level overview of primary responsibilities with each previous employer.
For those in creative, marketing, design, or digital roles, one of the most important job search tips is to maintain an eye-catching digital portfolio.
Your portfolio should capture the span of your capabilities while giving the viewer a glimpse into your creative style. Like your resume and LinkedIn profile, your portfolio should spotlight your strongest and most current work. If you have examples of projects where you have leveraged AI tools for design, content creation, or campaign optimization, showcase these to demonstrate your adaptability with emerging technologies. You’ll also want to make sure the user experience is simple and easy to follow. Your latest work, biography, and contact information should be easily accessible.
Having deep knowledge of your target industry gives you a competitive edge in your job search. Subscribe to relevant industry newsletters, join professional associations, and follow thought leaders and companies on social media. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations – particularly around AI and digital transformation.
More than ever, the job market is shaped by rapid technological change. In 24 Seven’s recent survey of nearly 1,000 creative, marketing, and tech professionals, 91% of organizations now use AI in daily operations, while 86% plan to hire for new AI-focused roles in the next 12 months. That makes AI fluency, or at least comfort with digital tools, a key differentiator in 2026.
Being informed about these shifts not only helps you in interviews, but it also positions you for roles that align with where the industry is heading.
AI is changing how companies hire, but it’s also transforming how candidates can search for and prepare for roles. Job seekers who use AI intentionally gain a meaningful advantage in speed, clarity, and alignment. AI can help you:
If you want to get the most out of your job search, work with the specialized recruiters at 24 Seven. We’re connected to today’s top companies and emerging startups in the creative, marketing, digital, fashion, beauty, and retail spaces, often knowing about positions before they’re even posted. Our recruiters can provide personalized job search strategies throughout the entire process.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time, contract or freelance role, a remote or in-office position, our team can help you navigate your professional journey. We’ll help elevate your application above the competition and move your resume to the top of the stack.