The 2026 tech hiring market is loosening up — and the rules have changed. Ted Hellmuth, founder of recruiting firm IQ Clarity, joins Paul Farnsworth to unpack what's driving demand, where AI fits in, and the mistakes holding both employers and candidates back.

Key insights from this episode:

• Hiring demand is up, especially for leadership roles — a strong signal that companies are investing again

• AI proficiency is now a dividing line: candidates who can stitch AI tools together and explain their process get hired fast

• Employers dragging out five-round interview processes are losing top talent to faster competitors

• Job seekers relying only on applications are missing 60% of the process — networking and referrals still win

• Lateral moves inside a company can be a powerful entry point, especially for early-career professionals

• 2026 will be a year of transformation — not a return to normal

Ted Hellmuth is the founder of IQ Clarity, a Denver-based boutique recruiting firm specializing in engineering and tech placements.

Dice is the leading tech career platform. Find your next role — or your next hire — at Dice.com.

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Inside the 2026 Tech Hiring Market with Recruiter Ted Hellmuth