In this episode of The Hirewell Update, Ryan Ross welcomes Jeff Smith to talk through why now, not January, is the critical window for 2026 hiring plans.

They break down what proactive talent strategy actually looks like, why waiting until Q1 is a losing move, and how the smartest companies are blending internal recruiting with flexible RPO support to meet demand without overcommitting.

From signs of strength in go-to-market hiring to the resurgence of talent acquisition roles, this episode is your playbook for turning Q4 planning into Q1 execution.

Whether you're building a team or scaling one, this is the conversation you need before the year ends.