The job market is sending mixed signals to start 2026. The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while unemployment ticked in at 4.3%. Healthcare continues to power much of that growth, adding 82,000 jobs in December, followed by gains in social assistance and construction.
But behind the national numbers, hiring decisions are far more nuanced, especially in competitive, talent-rich regions like Westchester County.
To understand what’s happening locally, we spoke with Torey Neil, senior recruiter in talent acquisition for Summit Health, which operates across Westchester, New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Neil has been with the organization since 2021, first recruiting for its urgent care sector and later helping expand its Summit Health offices into the New York market.
Her perspective? The numbers only tell part of the story.
Soft Skills Set Candidates Apart
While technical qualifications still matter, Neil says it’s the human qualities that consistently elevate candidates.
“Ideally, it’s those candidates who display strong soft skills,” she says. “Technical experience can be taught in school or on the job. But professionalism, dedication, and effective communication is what really sets someone apart during the interview process.”
In healthcare especially, she adds, organizations are looking for more than credentials. Summit Health prioritizes candidates who are confident in their abilities but also demonstrate humanity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ultimate goal: exceptional patient care.
That focus reflects a broader shift in hiring philosophy that has accelerated since the pandemic.
A More Holistic Approach to Hiring
Neil began her recruiting career before COVID-19, though not in healthcare. Since then, she’s seen a noticeable evolution in how employers evaluate talent.
“Instead of always looking for the perfect match for a role, organizations are taking a more holistic view,” she says. “Adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset over perfection are more important than ever.”
In an industry that often faces burnout, staffing shortages, and ongoing patient demand, longevity matters. Recruiters are asking not just what a candidate can do today, but who they are and how they’ll contribute to a healthier workplace tomorrow.
“It’s about who’s going to grow with us,” Neil says. “Who will contribute positively to the team’s well-being? How will they adapt to challenges?”
What Makes a Resume Stand out
In a competitive applicant pool, first impressions are important.
“When we review a resume, we look at it as a whole from top to bottom,” Neil explains.
Recruiters assess prior jobs, education, internships, and externships, evaluating whether a candidate has direct experience or transferable skills that align with the role.
Clear formatting and accuracy matter more than many applicants realize, she says. Even small details such as punctuation, consistency and clarity can determine whether a resume advances to the interview stage.
“Straightforward formatting with correct dates, job titles and employers really goes a long way,” she says. “Highlighting experiences that directly correlate to the job you’re applying for can make all the difference.”
Putting Time Into Applications
As artificial intelligence tools become more common, recruiters are adapting.
Summit Health does not currently use a specific program to detect AI-generated resumes or cover letters, Neil says. However, experienced recruiters can often sense when an application feels overly generic or lacks authenticity. Setting aside time to write a good cover letter or improve your resume is important.
“There’s a difference between using AI to polish your resume and submitting something that doesn’t truly reflect you,” she says.
Ultimately, recruiters rely on experience and discernment to identify genuine and qualified candidates. Authenticity, both on paper and in conversation, remains critical.
Once candidates secure an interview, preparation becomes key. Applicants should expect behavioral-based questions designed to assess qualities such as resilience, compassion, and teamwork.
“Those questions allow candidates to show how they approach challenging situations,” Neil says. “It gives us insight into how their actions can be impactful in the workplace.”
Steady Demand in Hiring
In healthcare, hiring volume often follows predictable seasonal patterns. Cold and flu season, for example, can drive increased patient flow in family practices and urgent care centers, leading to more openings.
Overall, Neil describes the hiring demand in healthcare as steady. In Westchester’s competitive market, where highly skilled professionals often have multiple options, employers must balance speed with thorough evaluation.
For jobseekers, that means patience and persistence are essential.
Advice for Jobseekers
Neil’s advice for those navigating the local job market is simple: Don’t give up.
“The right role is out there,” she says. “The interview process is just as much an opportunity for the candidate as it is for the hiring manager. You’re interviewing them, too.”
She encourages applicants to push their own boundaries and consider roles slightly outside their comfort zone. Many skills, especially in people-facing industries, are transferable, she says.
Her own career path reflects that philosophy. After earning a nursing degree, Neil ultimately realized her passion was in helping others find the right career from them in healthcare.
In a job market that can feel uncertain, that perspective may be the clearest signal of all. While qualifications can open doors, character, adaptability, and resilience determine who walks through them and who thrives once inside.
Next Steps
To find job opportunities and workforce development resources in Westchester, browse our guide.
Related: The Art of Crafting an Effective Resume in Westchester
