It’s almost 2026, and the comms hiring market looks different—again. Roles that sat on hold are finally moving, but candidates are facing longer processes, higher bars and stiffer competition. If you’re job searching, hiring, or want to know what’s ahead, I’ll share what’s actually happening right now—and what it takes to stand out.

Free LinkedIn Live Event

Key Takeaways

• How today’s interview processes are structured—and what to expect
• Why take-home projects and live exercises matter, and what they reveal
• What hiring managers are really listening for in reference checks
• How smart follow-up can shift the outcome in your favor
• What companies expect around hybrid work and how to talk about flexibility
• The real markers of standout candidates in this market

Watch the promo video

About Brooke Kruger

Brooke Kruger is the founder of KC Partners, a leading communications search firm, and a go-to expert on communications hiring trends. She has a deep pulse on what’s happening in the job market, the skills that are in demand, how hiring is evolving, and what both companies and job seekers need to succeed. With 20+ years of experience advising organizations on talent strategy, Brooke delivers real-world insights and practical takeaways that help companies attract and retain top communications talent.

As a two-time keynote speaker at Mixing Board Live, Brooke has shared firsthand industry expertise on the state of communications hiring. She’s passionate about the future of work and frequently speaks on topics like shifting employer expectations, the role of AI in hiring, RTO, and how communications professionals can stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Beyond the stage, Brooke is an active voice in the industry—engaging audiences as a frequent podcast guest and sharing thought leadership on LinkedIn and other platforms. She’s always up for a great conversation about career growth, hiring trends, and where the industry is headed next.

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by Diane Strelekis - Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your career, navigating the job-search process these days is a daunting task. Layoffs are rising while candidate-screening software complicates getting your application in front of a hiring manager. Executive career coach Ed Samuel, founder of SamNova, Inc. shares five of his top ways to get the role that’s right for you, not just the role available right now.

One goal of the International Association of Business Communicators is to help communication professionals to find meaningful, satisfying employment in the communications field. That’s why IABC Philadelphia features this page on our website. We want to facilitate the connection between communication job seekers and employers in the greater Philadelphia area.

Applying for jobs on this page is free to members and non-members alike, and there are no strings attached. If you want to make it easier for us to spread the word about this service, help us to find future listings by mentioning IABC Philadelphia when you apply for one for the jobs on this page.

Posting jobs is also free. If you’re an employer and have a job to be included on our site, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also use this link to report if a posted job has been filled so that we can keep our listings up to date.

View current job listings.

Some job search tips

1. Create a target company list. Find out everything you can about the company and then customize your pitch for each one.

2. Network. Both online and face-to-face. Even in informal settings, think about how you can expand your network. Go out to lunch or dinner with friends/colleagues and strike up a conversation about your job search and your target companies. You’ll be surprised by the number of contacts your networks have.

3. You’ve made it to an interview – be prepared. Be ready to provide specific examples of the results you’ve achieved. Also, have questions ready to ask to make sure the organization is a good fit for you.

4. Follow-up. Whether it’s after an interview, lunch, or a new introduction, follow up with the person you met and thank the person who made the connection for you.