Posted on: 08.10.2026
European Hiring Market Update Q3 2026
Read the latest insights from our European team.
In Q3, the European hiring market showed some positive trends, especially with a slow return of senior hiring. Public affairs stayed busy in several specialist areas and more clients now expect candidates to have some understanding of AI.
Clients are hiring with clear priorities in mind. Candidates who stand out are those whose experience matches what clients are looking for.
AI Fluency Is Shifting from Advantage to Expectation
AI and technology remain strong growth areas. In public affairs, demand is especially high for people who understand AI and digital regulation, including how policy affects businesses day to day. With rules changing quickly, organisations need advisers who can explain them clearly to leadership teams.
AI knowledge is now expected well beyond policy roles. In communications and other key functions, clients look for candidates who use AI tools confidently and understand how it’s changing their work.
Public Affairs Is Becoming More Specialist
Public affairs roles are becoming more specialised. The highest demand is in technology and digital, energy and sustainability and trade. Health and life sciences are also busy areas.
Clients now prefer candidates who already know the sector and its regulations. Candidates with a strong background in one of these areas and good relationships with stakeholders are in a strong position.
This quarter, there has been more hiring from NGOs and trade associations, in addition to the usual agency and in-house roles. Public affairs professionals now have a wider range of employers to choose from across the region.
Senior Hiring Is Starting to Pick Up
One of the most positive changes in Q3 was the return of senior hiring. Earlier this year, senior roles were mostly found in a few countries, but now they are appearing in more European markets.
It is too soon to call this a major change. Even so, there is clearly more activity in senior hiring now than in the first half of the year. Senior candidates now have more options than they have had in a while. However, clients are still being careful with these hires.
Looking Ahead to Q4
As we move into Q4, we will watch to see if senior hiring keeps growing. For now, sector expertise and a good understanding of AI will likely stay important in hiring decisions across Europe.
Whether you are hiring senior talent or weighing up your own next move, our team would be glad to help. We work across Europe, with businesses that need to move quickly and secure the right people in a market where the strongest candidates do not stay available for long.
Hanson Search Group is a global talent consultancy providing executive search, recruitment and leadership advisory services. Built on more than twenty years of trusted relationships, we operate as a connected global platform of specialist practices with expert consultants embedded in key markets.
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