Hi Reader,
Welcome to 2026, where apparently half of Europeans are already preparing to change jobs this year, according to LinkedIN.
The average came out to 47% of respondents out of 10,400 total saying they will look for a new job this year, According to the survey across 7 different countries. Out of those countries, the UK was highest at 52% people looking for something new this year.
The scarier part here? The Indeed website is showing lower jobs posts than even before the pandemic in the UK. This shows how it can always be worse - as the UK has the worst job market in Europe.
Sweden and Spain are both over the average as well at 51% and 49%. Netherlands is right at 47% and Germany actually comes in at 41%.
What does this mean?
More competition for less jobs again :/
With employed people unsatisfied and constantly swiping for something better, you have multiple job markets that are very crowded right now.
The level in Germany is slightly lower, but still almost the same as two years ago when WirtschaftsWoche wrote about the same idea. It's interesting to take a look at the overall number of job posts as well. Since last spring 2025, there have been decreasing number of available job openings according to Arbeitsagentur.
If you've been sending applications lately then you know this already. But it goes to show that this isn't going away yet in the EU. Jobseekers are also unconfident on how to find a new job, and recruiters are having a hard time finding candidates.
The role of AI
I understand everyone is talking about AI. But the job market is really suffering from the rise in AI. It's making completing applications as easy as the snap of a finger, and reviewing them just as short.
I dont like blaming things these days on AI. But in our topics we discuss, there is no way around it. Either you need to find a way to:
- Break the cycle of sending applications into the darkness and hoping for the best
- Beat the system by knowing how to have your application accepted
- Or transition your work into the relevant fields of most demand for 2026
What and how can you do it?
Start writing to other humans. Ask for the online or in-person meeting as quickly as possible.
The thing with the average casual application - from those employed already that is, less effort goes into it when you have a lot of work to do with your current job. So this creates an opportunity for you as the more proactive candidate to put your name on the hiring manager's list.
It doesn't always get a response right away. But at least you can set yourself up to get to know the person, and what their department is looking for, as the next position comes open.
If you are finding fitting jobs right now then you have a good start. Now you need to determine if they are real, without wasting too much time and effort on a quick rejection.
It takes time, and patience is required. But the job offers will go to those people that the managers trust, or those who have AI skills, such as AI engineer or Head of AI. Those are two of the highest rising job titles.
In summary
See if you can take the deeper approach in the start of the year. You wont get the quick wins of completing the high number of applications, but at least you know you are not sending information into a black hole. You are sending it to people who you'll have to rely on, in order to get that coveted job offer.
I am getting ready for the next February EJO cohort in just 3 weeks, where we reach out to ten decision makers per week, until end of July.
Here is where you can learn about the next course and availability: https://www.immigrantspirit.com/expats-job-miracle/
Send me an email back if you are interested in joining us to maximize your chances of success this year.
Wishing you success.
Kevin