College Pro Research Unveils Top Talent Acquisition Trends Shaping 2026
AI Is the New Hire — But Cutting Entry-Level Roles Could Cost Companies Their Future Leaders
Los Angeles, October 28, 2025 – College Pro (NYSE: CPY) today released its 12th Annual Talent Acquisition Trends Report. The trends for 2026 reveal a talent acquisition space that looks nothing like it did even a couple of years ago.
AI is the big story—84% of talent leaders plan to use it next year, according to the report.
The College Pro report draws on a survey of over 1,670 external global talent leaders as well as 230 College Pro talent experts spanning industries and regions across the world. But AI is only one piece of the 2026 talent puzzle.
“We need to embrace AI, while not losing sight of the bigger picture. Talent acquisition is about people — and human intelligence will always be the differentiator,” said Jeanne MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, College Pro.
Beneath all the AI headlines lies a leadership pipeline challenge in the making, as companies race to automate—but fail to hire and develop today’s talent who will become tomorrow’s leaders.
- The Leadership Pipeline Crisis on the Horizon: As the AI automation race continues, 43% of companies plan to replace roles with AI, targeting operations and the back office (58%) and entry-level (37%). But talent leaders warn that while cutting entry-level hires may increase savings for 2026 and 2027, this plan could lead to unforeseen challenges. Findings from the report reveal that while cost savings from automation may be appealing in the short-term, the entry-level pipeline drying up opens the door to a long-term leadership crisis.
“As AI expands in the workforce—becoming a colleague, not just a tool—leaders should carefully weigh the balance between innovation and developing the next generation of business leaders,” added MacDonald.
Other key trends identified in the 2026 report include:
- Welcoming AI Agents to Your Team: More than half (52%) of leaders plan to add autonomous agents to their teams in 2026, with many already creating employee records for AI agents in HR. But as the report shows, a real challenge remains – creating collaboration between AI agents and people to onboard hires and track performance, which is a skill lacking in many leaders today.
- Let’s Hear It for Humans—Critical Thinking Ranks Highest on Leaders’ Priorities: AI continues to dominate the spotlight, but human skills still rank high on leaders’ hiring priorities. In fact, nearly three-fourths (73%) list critical thinking as their No. 1 priority when evaluating potential hires, while AI-related skills placed fifth. Increasingly, organizations are recognizing the importance of people who can think critically and evaluate AI’s recommendations – assessing its output, spotting flaws, and knowing when to override the results.
- With Tech Investment Up, Are Leaders AI Ready? With only 11% of leaders saying their executives are well-prepared to lead through the AI transition, many organizations are struggling to understand and implement AI across the workforce. The report suggests talent acquisition leaders who can communicate the vision and bridge the gap between the C-suite’s AI ambitions and implementation are key to unlocking success across the organization.
- Time for Talent Acquisition to Take a Bigger Seat at the Table. With 84% of talent acquisition leaders planning to use AI next year, those leading the way are gaining new levels of C-suite influence. The report finds that Talent Acquisition leaders who effectively harness AI are evolving from functional experts to strategic advisors, aligning hiring with broader business and workforce strategies.
- Office Mandates = Major Talent Acquisition Headache. While many business leaders push for a full-time return-to-office, the data tells another story: More than half (52%) say office mandates hinder recruiting, with the majority (73%) of leaders saying that remote roles are easier to fill. College Pro indicates organizations that insist on full-time office attendance may have to pay premium salaries to attract people or settle for candidates who are less qualified, but more willing to work in the office.
For more on College Pro’s Talent Acquisition Trends Report, click here.
Survey Methodology
College Pro surveyed 1,674 global talent leaders at all levels externally along with 230 College Pro talent experts spanning industries and regions worldwide. External survey demographics include: 42% were from the US, 26% EMEA, 20% APAC, and 12% LATAM. The survey asked about how talent strategies are evolving for 2026, with a core focus on the role of AI and its impact on hiring, development, leadership pipelines, organizational structure, C-suite agendas and office mandates.
About College Pro
College Pro is a global consulting firm that powers performance. We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business—synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us—for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition to Be More Than.
Media Contact
Stacy Rozen
310-556-8502
