NYT Strands is the daily word-search-style puzzle from the New York Times that challenges players to uncover hidden words connected by a shared idea. For January 12, 2026, the theme “Appeal to a Hire Power” leans into professional life, tasking solvers with finding career-related terms alongside a spangram that neatly ties everything together.

12 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Appeal to a hire power"

Today’s theme clearly points toward job hunting and professional credentials. The puzzle feels approachable, with familiar vocabulary most players will recognize quickly. The twist comes from how these common terms are scattered across the grid, encouraging you to think about how they connect in a real-world context rather than as isolated words.

12 January 2026 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think about documents used when applying for a job.
  • Look for words tied to qualifications and achievements.
  • Some answers describe personal information rather than abilities.
  • Expect both concrete items and abstract concepts.
  • The spangram ties everything together under one essential career-related idea.

12 January 2026 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Education (academic background)
  • Awards (recognition and honors)
  • Name (personal identification)
  • Skills (professional abilities)
  • Contact (how to reach someone)
  • Experience (work history)

Spangram

Resume
The spangram represents the single document that brings all the theme words together, serving as the central idea of the puzzle and explaining how every answer fits into one professional snapshot.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:

  • You’re given a theme.
  • The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
  • Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
  • Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

How to get and use hints

Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:

  • To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
  • Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
  • When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.

Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final words

The 12 January 2026 Strands puzzle felt comfortably moderate, with a relatable theme and smart word choices. Once the spangram clicked, everything else fell into place nicely. How many answers did you spot before needing hints?

Come back tomorrow for a fresh grid and theme — and tell us in the comments which word stumped you the most today!