Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In today’s episode, Matt and Kristy Lee dive into one of the biggest challenges facing small business owners right now hiring the right people in a rapidly changing landscape. With 2026 firmly on the horizon, they explore how the rules of recruitment are shifting, why hiring mistakes are more costly than ever, and how business owners need to adapt their approach to attract and retain great staff in a competitive market .

Kristy shares her expertise in recruitment, unpacking how AI is impacting both sides of the hiring process. From AI written resumes and cover letters to smarter use of technology in screening and job ads, this conversation highlights why business owners need to be more discerning, faster in their processes, and clearer than ever on what they actually need from a role. They also discuss why cover letters are losing relevance, the importance of speed in hiring, and why passive candidates are often your best option.

The conversation also looks beyond the hire itself, emphasising the importance of always on recruitment strategies, using platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and ensuring your online presence genuinely reflects what it is like to work in your business. Matt and Kristy also talk about hiring as a retention strategy, the need to reassess roles before replacing them, and why onboarding should begin the moment a job offer is accepted.

If you are planning to hire in 2026, or are already feeling overwhelmed by recruitment decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you hire better, smarter, and with confidence.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.