Recruitment Predictions for 2026 (from a dev’s POV)

I’ve been thinking about where hiring is heading. Here are my short takes:

1. ATS will become the new villain

More people will blame ATS for rejections.
Reality: the market is tight and competition is brutal. Keyword-stuffing CVs won’t fix that.

2. AI in hiring will plateau

Most useful AI features (screening, JD writing, matching) already exist.
Don’t expect revolutionary new workflows every few months anymore.

3. Signal > tools

The real edge will be understanding the market:

1. Trends
2. Hiring signals
3. Company health
4. Timing

Not just using more platforms.

4. Smaller teams, higher bar

Teams will stay lean.
Fewer junior roles.
More emphasis on proof: projects, writing, open-source, real work.

That’s my take.
What do you think hiring in tech will look like in 2026?