How Much Will CVs Matter In Hiring Decision For Employers In 2026?

Career goals across Europe look practical as 2026 begins. A survey from MyPerfectCV shows workers thinking less about titles and more about income and daily working life. The European Career Outlook 2026 report is based on 1,000 employed adults in Europe.

Higher pay is obviously at the top. MyPerfectCV found that 53% of workers name earning more money as their main goal for 2026. Stress levels also weigh heavily, with 37% wanting less pressure at work and 34% wanting better work life balance.

Learning also appears on many CVs, though not at the top. About one third of workers want to build new skills, while business creation and promotions attract far less interest. This places CVs closer to practical self marketing than long term career storytelling.

The top career goals for 2026 are listed by MyPerfectCV as follows:

Earning more money 53%
Reducing stress 37%
Achieving better work life balance 34%
Learning new skills 33%
Starting a side hustle 11%
Changing careers 10%
Getting a promotion 9%
Starting a business 7%
No specific goals 15%

These goals need CVs that are designed to support steady earnings and personal wellbeing rather than rapid career change.

Why Are So Many Workers Preparing To Change Jobs?

Job movement is still high across Europe going into 2026. MyPerfectCV reports that 67% of workers are at least somewhat likely to look for a new job during the year.

This breaks down into 22% who are very likely to move, 25% likely, and 20% somewhat likely. One third say they are not likely to search for a new role.

Money again leads decision making. Half of job seekers say a bigger salary motivates them to move. Balance and interest follow closely, while company culture attracts less attention.

MyPerfectCV lists the top motivations for changing jobs in 2026 as:

1. Bigger salary 50%
2. Better work life balance 38%
3. More interesting work 31%
4. More flexibility such as remote or hybrid work 24%
5. Career growth opportunities 22%
6. More challenging work 17%
7. Better commute or relocation 16%
8. Company culture and values 9%

These drivers influence CV wording, with candidates leaning towards outcomes, pay justification and flexibility rather than loyalty or length of service.

What Skills Are Workers Placing On Their CVs?

Skill building is still a big theme for 2026. MyPerfectCV found that 77% of workers plan to develop new skills during the year, with technology leading the list.

Tech related learning attracts 37%, especially in areas such as AI and coding. Industry specific knowledge follows closely at 35%, while communication skills appeal to 28%.

The full list of planned skills development…

1. Tech skills such as AI or coding 37%
2. Industry specific skills 35%
3. Communication and interpersonal skills 28%
4. Leadership and management 22%
5. Networking and personal branding 14%
6. No plans to develop new skills 23%

These choices align with employer hiring methods that look past written claims and test ability directly.

Why Are Employers Pulling Away From CV First Hiring?

A global study from recruitment technology firm Willo shows growing doubt around CV reliability. The Hiring Trends Report 2026 found that only 37% of employers rate credentials and learning history as a strong signal of talent.

4 in 10 employers said they are moving away from CV first hiring. Another 10% said they have largely replaced CVs with skills based and scenario driven assessments. Around 15% are exploring other options.

Euan Cameron, CEO and co founder of Willo, said CVs now often show how well candidates use language models rather than how they work. Almost eight in ten employers report seeing AI assisted applications, according to the report.

Nearly half said they adjusted interview techniques to go more in depth, while 31% added practical hiring stages and 14% brought in AI detection tools.

CVs in 2026 still open doors, but hiring decisions are more and more so based on evidence shown outside of just the resume page.

“We’re witnessing what I call The Great Rebalance, a shift away from relentless ambition towards sustainable success,” said Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectCV. “Across Europe, workers still want to advance, but not at the expense of their wellbeing. Pay, balance and mental health now define career satisfaction.”