The labor market is always changing, but those changes aren’t affecting every generation in the same way.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Ben Zweig, CEO of Revelio Labs and a PhD economist who regularly appears on CNBC and Bloomberg News to discuss trends shaping careers and hiring.

We explore the three key factors that seem to be causing younger professionals to struggle more in today's labor market, which areas of financial services are being most impacted by AI, and what is happening to wages and hiring demand.

We also discuss why the language used in job descriptions and resumes matters more than candidates might realize.

This is a fascinating look at what's really happening within the labor market and what it could mean for the next generation of finance professionals.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:58 – Why are younger professionals struggling in today's labor market?
• 4:44 – Which sectors are most impacted by AI?
• 9:59 – Are wages going up or down?
• 11:43 – Why is it taking firms so long to fill roles?
• 15:35 – Why taxonomy matters when looking for the right role.
• 18:36 – How using the right words can strengthen your resume and application.
• 21:47 – Are you relying too heavily on AI?

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/

Ben Zweig on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-zweig/

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

Compensation is one of the leading motivators when it comes to making a career decision.

And in 2026, most sectors across financial services are compensating talent very well.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Bryan Liou and Chris Connors, Managing Directors at Johnson Associates, a compensation consulting firm specializing in financial services.

We explore the biggest compensation trends shaping the industry. We discuss which verticals of financial services are compensating better than others, and how firms are using compensation and incentives to attract and retain talent.

We also discuss the growing competition for elite talent between financial services firms and AI companies and what candidates need to do to position themselves for the most lucrative opportunities.

If you want to understand where the biggest compensation opportunities are in financial services today, and how you can make the most of them, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:45 – Why strong earnings don't always mean headcount growth.
• 3:08 – Why financial services firms are operating leaner in 2026.
• 8:08 – The biggest compensation trends across financial services.
• 11:40 – Which sectors aren't performing as well?
• 14:21 – Carry vs. cash and how compensation structures are changing.
• 16:46 – How financial services firms are competing for elite tech talent.
• 20:37 – What is driving candidates toward the new generation of AI companies?
• 23:50 – How much are firms willing to spend to retain top talent?
• 27:04 – The competition between hedge funds and AI firms for the best talent.
• 29:00 – The current state of non-competes.
• 30:43 – What allows candidates to stand out and take advantage of today's lucrative compensation opportunities?

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

LEARN MORE

Johnson Associates - https://johnsonassociates.com/

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/

Chris Connors on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-connors-272008125/

Bryan Liou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-liou-673605302/

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

Is this the best time to be working in the hedge fund industry?

The market has evolved over the past ten years, with a growing demand for the right talent and more opportunities for those looking to build a career in hedge funds.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Bradley Saacks, Hedge Fund Reporter at Business Insider, to explore how the hedge fund industry has evolved, what is driving the current demand for top talent, and what the future could look like for the industry.

Bradley shares his perspective on the current hedge fund talent market, where the biggest opportunities are emerging, why hedge funds are increasingly recruiting graduates, and how technology and AI could shape the industry in the years ahead.

If you're considering a career in hedge funds, looking for your next role, or want to understand how the industry is evolving, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:43 – The current state of the talent market within hedge funds.
• 2:53 – Is there a shortage of talent?
• 4:28 – Who’s getting the big contracts and how much are they offering?
• 6:51 – The graduate recruitment drive by hedge funds.
• 10:29 – How the hedge fund industry has transformed over the past six to ten years.
• 17:34 – What type of candidate is suited to the hedge fund industry?
• 23:53 – What the future of the hedge fund industry looks like.
• 29:22 – How technological advancements and AI could impact hedge funds.
• 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/

Bradley Saacks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-saacks-837895126/

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