​Practical advice for candidates looking to move forward in 2026

The first quarter of the year is usually when many people begin thinking about their next step. Sometimes it's a new role, sometimes it's moving into a stronger company, and sometimes it's simply wanting more growth or stability. What we're seeing right now is that opportunities are increasing, especially for South African professionals working with international businesses. But the candidates who benefit from that shift are usually those who prepare early, not those who wait until the market becomes busy.

If you are thinking about a move in 2026, there are a few areas worth focusing on;

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Pay attention to where demand is growing

Some industries are expanding faster than others, areas like financial services, cybersecurity, logistics, renewable energy and AI-related businesses are seeing steady growth. When those industries grow, they do not just hire specialists. They also need strong people across operations, admin, marketing, HR, sales and support functions. One thing many candidates overlook is that you do not always need to change industries completely. Often, it's about positioning your experience so it makes sense within a growing sector. For example, operations professionals moving into fast-growing tech companies, or recruiters supporting global markets, tend to see more opportunity than those staying within shrinking or slow-moving industries. Another noticeable shift is that international companies are continuing to hire South African talent. The combination of experience, communication skills and time zone alignment makes local professionals very competitive globally.

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Your CV still opens the door

A lot of candidates underestimate how much their CV influences the outcome of a job search. The strongest CVs we see are usually simple and clear. They explain what someone has done, but more importantly they show the impact of that work. Instead of listing responsibilities, it helps to show outcomes. That could be revenue generated, teams supported, systems improved, projects delivered or processes built. Recruiters and hiring managers scan CVs quickly, so clarity matters. Structure matters too. Many companies also use hiring systems to filter applications, which means formatting and keywords can influence whether your CV gets seen at all.

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A few practical things that make a difference:

• Keep the layout clean and easy to read

• Highlight achievements, not just duties

• Tailor your CV slightly for the role you are applying for

• Make sure the first half of your CV clearly explains your value

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Online interviews are now the standard

Most hiring processes now include at least one online interview, and sometimes the entire process happens remotely. Candidates who do well in these interviews usually keep things simple. They prepare properly, understand the company they are speaking to, and focus on explaining their experience clearly. One mistake we see quite often is people trying to sound overly rehearsed. In reality, hiring managers are usually looking for someone who can communicate naturally and demonstrate how they think. Before any interview, it helps to:

• Review the role and company properly

• Prepare examples of real work you have done

• Think about the results you have achieved in past roles

• Make sure your setup, audio and connection are reliable

• These small details create a strong first impression.

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Positioning yourself properly matters

The candidates who tend to secure the best roles are usually the ones who approach their job search with a bit more intention. That might mean improving their CV before applying, learning new tools or systems relevant to their industry, or speaking to recruiters who understand the markets they want to move into. Another helpful step is thinking about where your experience fits best going forward. Some people stay in the same role but move into a company that is growing faster. Others shift into a slightly different position that offers better long-term prospects. There is no single right path, but having a clear direction helps employers see where you can add value.

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Looking ahead to 2026

The reality is that opportunities for South African professionals are expanding, particularly with international companies building remote teams and global operations. The candidates who stand out are rarely the ones sending out the most applications. They are usually the ones who have taken time to prepare, refine how they present their experience, and position themselves in the right areas of the market. If you are considering a move this year, it is worth starting that preparation now rather than waiting until roles start filling quickly.

At Vertrou Outsourcing, we work closely with global companies hiring South African professionals across recruitment, operations, marketing and business support roles. Because of that, we see first-hand what employers are looking for and where opportunities are growing. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a big difference when the right opportunity appears.