I’m speaking as a job candidate: Not sure if anyone here has been in the workforce 30+ years like I have, but until about 2016 I remember even when roles were relatively scarce I’d be ablet to talk to a recruiter on the phone at Techstaff, Volt, or other tech-work temp and placement agencies. We’d develop a relationship and it would feel like a team where we both had skin in the game. They call me every so often about roles that might be a fit. 3 months is the longest it ever took for me to land an interview that won me a role.

That seems to be missing today. I’m wondering if anyone here can offer possibly a historical perspective on why it seems so different now. Yes, everyone is blaming AI for different aspects of the job market in 2026 – but is it only that, or are there other behind the scenes or recruiter industry factors that may have been at play?

Your insight is greatly appreciated.