This is LinkedIn's No. 1 piece of advice for entry-level job seekers in 2026: 'The best way to start'
Many recent grads and other entry-level workers are struggling to find work. LinkedIn predicts this will be "the top destination for young jobseekers in 2026."
TL;DR
- LinkedIn predicts small businesses will be the top destination for entry-level jobseekers in 2026.
- Small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 250 employees, offer advantages for new workers.
- Small and medium enterprises account for about 90% of businesses and over 50% of global employment.
- Entry-level and early-career workers form a larger percentage of staff at small businesses.
- Entry-level hiring has declined significantly since March 2020.
- Unemployment rates for young adults (20-24) are more than double the overall rate.
- Small businesses are seen as the best 'on-ramp' for new graduates in a challenging job market.