Being a “culture fit” used to be enough.

Having a certain college or organization on your resume used to be enough.

But in 2026, something else is needed if candidates are to stand out.

Hiring has evolved since 2010. Candidates are being evaluated on more than just technical ability. And in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Leonard Syriaque, a talent leader with over 20 years of experience building teams.

Len brings a unique perspective on how hiring has changed over the past decade and what candidates and hiring managers need to get right today.

We explore the shift from “culture fit” to “culture add”, why storytelling is becoming a critical skill, and how candidates can position themselves to make a real impact in today’s market.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:17 - What’s changed in recruiting from 2010 to today.
• 3:20 - What graduates are looking for beyond compensation.
• 5:35 - Why your storytelling ability as a candidate can change everything.
• 8:18 - Culture “add” vs. culture “fit” and why it matters.
• 11:29 - How to assess whether a company’s culture is right for you.
• 12:59 - Functional fit vs. technical fit and why both are needed.
• 15:01 - What impact really means in a role.
• 16:28 - When impact isn’t actually impact.
• 17:35 - Practical tips to improve your storytelling as a candidate.
• 19:59 - Has social media changed how candidates communicate?
• 22:16 - How networking has evolved and why face-to-face still matters.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Len Syriaque on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardsyriaque/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Private equity vs. private credit - where is the money going right now? And where do the opportunities lie for candidates looking for a career within the industry?

The dynamics across private equity and private credit are changing fast. From the AI gold rush to shifting recruiting cycles, there are major implications for talent and investors.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Alex Nicoll, Private Equity Reporter at Business Insider, to break down where capital is moving, what trends are shaping the sector, and what it means for those looking for roles within financial services today.

Covered in this episode:

• 1:25 - Private equity vs private credit: where is the money going?
• 2:16 - Who’s making money in the AI gold rush?
• 9:26 - How ESG is being considered today.
• 11:35 - The growing push for employee ownership.
• 12:53 - Is private credit at risk of a bubble?
• 18:54 - The rise of SaaS in private equity deals.
• 20:31 - The current risks in private credit.
• 26:10 - On-cycle recruiting in private equity.
• 32:22 - What skills are required in an AI-driven private equity world?
• 35:31 - How off-cycle recruiting is being impacted.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Alex Nicoll on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexonicoll/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

For the first time in years, the balance is shifting in the investment banking sector.

As activity rebounds and competition for top talent grows, 2026 is shaping up to be a renaissance year for investment banking. And because of this, firms will need to start selling themselves to candidates, not the other way around.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Emily Long, one of the most successful investment banking recruiters in Selby Jennings’ history and a true expert on the market.

Emily breaks down what’s driving the surge in hiring activity, how the talent bar is evolving, and what both candidates and firms need to understand to stay competitive.

If you’re working in investment banking or looking to break into the sector, this episode will help you understand how to position yourself strategically in this critical period.

Covered in this episode:

1. 0:00 - Intro.
2. 1:15 - How high is the talent bar in investment banking right now?
3. 2:32 - What’s driving the uptick in activity in 2026?
4. 3:08 - How candidates can stand out in a competitive market.
5. 4:46 - How firms can attract the right talent in a candidate-driven market.
6. 7:37 - What firms need to be aware of in this hiring environment.
7. 9:49 - The role bonuses play in attracting top performers.
8. 11:4 - What most affects bonus outcomes?
9. 13:17 - How candidates can leverage counter offers strategically.
10. 15:28 - How AI is affecting investment banking - are roles at risk?
11. 17:45 - What’s exciting candidates about AI?
12. And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Emily Long on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-long-hire

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw