Your 2026 Job Search Road Map
We made it to the end of 2025. Today is my last day in the office before family arrives tomorrow, and the out-of-office messages have been rolling in since Friday. Some people are already in vacation mode, while others are sprinting to make as much progress as possible before EOY. One thing is certain: as we look ahead to 2026, this is the moment when reflection sets in, and the bigger questions start creeping in.
If you’re even thinking about a job change in 2026, it probably shows up now (somewhere between your last meeting of the year and your out-of-office reply).
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to make any big decisions right now. But it is a smart time to get oriented. The strongest job searches don’t start when you hit “apply.” They start when you get clear, build relationships, and set yourself up for success.
Think of this week’s newsletter as your 2026 job search road map. Not a to-do list. Not point A to point B with a tidy ETA. Everyone’s search takes a different amount of time, with detours along the way. These directions will help you figure out where you’re headed when you’re ready to move.
Step 1: Get Clear on Where You’re Headed
Before you scroll LinkedIn or sign up for another job alert, pause.
Ask yourself:
What kind of work do I want to be doing more of in 2026?
What do I want less of?
What am I no longer willing to compromise on (pay, flexibility, values, management, scope)?
What would make a job feel like progress or success?
You don’t need a perfect answer. You need a working hypothesis you can test through conversations.
If you’ve been in your role for a while, or your priorities have shifted recently, this is also a reminder to refresh your NRG Talent Network profile. Your must-haves and nice-to-haves evolve, and we want to be aligned with where you’re actually headed.
Step 2: Build Your Network Before You Need It
I’ll say it again because it’s still true: networking is the most important part of a job search. Not in a transactional way, but in a stay-connected, stay-curious, stay-top-of-mind way.
Here are a couple of ways to jumpstart your networking in the new year:
Have 1–2 intentional networking conversations per week
Reconnect with former colleagues, managers, direct reports, interns, and collaborators
Talk to people doing work you’re curious about—even if you’re not sure you want their job
One of my favorite questions to anchor these conversations is, “I’m thinking about what I want my next chapter to look like. What are you seeing, or who has impressed you lately?” Because the goal isn’t to ask for a job. The goal is to learn, be remembered, and build trust over time.
If you want help organizing this, our free NRG Networking Toolkit includes outreach templates, tracking tools, and guidance to keep things simple and human. You can access it by joining the Talent Network.
Step 3: Get Your Materials 80% Ready (Not Perfect)
You do not need a flawless resume before you start networking. But you do want materials that clearly communicate who you are and what you bring.
Your 2026 prep checklist:
Resume: A resume that is clear, readable, and results-focused
LinkedIn Profile: A LinkedIn profile that reflects the work you actually want to be known for
Elevator Pitch: A short, confident way to describe what you’re looking for when someone asks
Perfection is not the goal. Momentum is. Endless tweaking can quietly turn into avoidance. At some point, your materials just need to be good enough to open doors, and then you refine as you go.
Step 4: Track Your Progress
If the only metric you’re tracking is “jobs applied to,” it’s easy to feel discouraged fast. Instead, track:
Number of networking conversations
Follow-ups sent
New connections made
Insights gained about roles, orgs, or issue areas
A strong weekly rhythm might look like:
4–6 networking conversations
1–2 thoughtful job applications (only if they truly fit)
Time blocked for follow-up and reflection
This turns your job search into a practice, not a spiral.
Step 5: Don’t Do This Alone
Job searching is emotional labor. Even when things are going “well,” it can mess with your confidence, energy, and sense of direction.
Build support into your road map:
A job search buddy or small accountability group (check out Never Search Alone)
Trusted friends who will reality-check your thinking
Community spaces where people share leads and encouragement (Sign up for our NRG Networking Hour in February!)
Career coaching, if and when it makes sense for you
If you want structured support, you can email our Career Coach, Kristin Saybe, to schedule an intro call and see if coaching is a fit. We also offer small-group coaching, Q&As, and ongoing resources designed to make this process less lonely and more grounded.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. You just need to stay connected, stay curious, and keep taking small steps toward the future you want. If you start laying the groundwork now, 2026 won’t feel like a scramble.
As always, hit reply if you want help thinking through your road map, or if there’s a topic you want us to cover in a future Get Hired newsletter. We’re in your corner.
Manager, Executive Officer @ Growald Climate Fund | Boston Preferred or Remote | $117K-$140K
Senior Portfolio Manager, Field Innovation @ Growald Climate Fund | Boston Preferred or Remote | $120K-$140K
Policy & Advocacy Director @ Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition | Remote, DC Preferred | $120K-$130K
National Campaigns Manager @ Powered By Faith | Remote | $10K-$12K/mo (contract)
Rapid Response Writer @ Freedom Forum | Remote | $115K-$120K
Director of Business Development @ Material Return | Morganton, NC | $68K-$80K | Relocation package up to $5k available
Global Communications Project Manager @ Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis | Global Remote | $100.6K-$121.4K
Managing Director @ Inequality Media | Berkeley, CA | $160K-$190K
VP of Development @ Constructive Dialogue Institute | Remote | $180K-$200K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of them on the NRG website.
Programs & Events in 2026
1/14 Ask The Coach
Join our FREE Ask The Coach session on January 14th. This Q&A is designed for jobseekers at all levels in their career. Deadline to sign up and submit your questions is Tuesday, January 13th at 9am ET.
1/28 Launch Your Search Cohorts
On January 28, 2026, we’re kicking off our pilot Launch Your Search Cohorts. Sign up for coaching, accountability partners, and a networking community.
2/5 NRG Networking Hour
On February 5, 2026, join our pay-what-you-can virtual networking hour. Whether you’re actively job searching, exploring your next move, or simply looking to expand your network of like-minded professionals, this session is for you.
📢 Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the roles we’re hiring for.
📬 Not a member of the NRG Talent Network yet? Fill out a quick form and let us know you're thinking about your next role.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters.