In 2026, LinkedIn has articulated a crucial piece of advice for those embarking on their careers: 'The most effective way to kickstart your journey is by starting small.' In today’s competitive job market, many individuals at the entry level are facing significant challenges in securing employment. To address this issue, LinkedIn offers a valuable insight that could make a difference.
On December 16, LinkedIn released its forecasts for the coming year, highlighting a pivotal trend for young job seekers: small businesses—defined as companies with fewer than 250 employees—are expected to become the leading choice for those entering the workforce. This prediction underscores the idea that beginning one’s career in a smaller organization can provide numerous advantages.
Karin Kimbrough, LinkedIn's chief economist, shared her thoughts with CNBC Make It, emphasizing that small businesses continue to be a promising avenue for entry-level candidates. She stated, "When you analyze hiring patterns based on company size, the data reveals that small enterprises still present significant opportunities for newcomers in the workforce."
Globally and domestically, small companies play a vital role in employment. The World Bank Group estimates that small and medium enterprises make up approximately 90% of all businesses and contribute to over 50% of global jobs, a statistic echoed by LinkedIn in its projections. Furthermore, entry-level positions tend to represent a larger percentage of the workforce in smaller firms compared to their larger counterparts.
Kimbrough further emphasizes, "If you're considering where to find opportunities, starting with small businesses is indeed the best path. That's where considerable potential lies."
The landscape for entry-level positions has been disheartening in recent years. A report from LinkedIn in May indicated that hiring for entry-level roles had decreased by 23% since March 2020, while overall hiring dropped by 18% during the same timeframe.
By September 2025, the unemployment rate for young adults aged 20 to 24—both those who graduated high school without pursuing college degrees and those who earned bachelor’s degrees—stood at 9.7%. This figure is notably higher than the overall national unemployment rate of 4.4% reported that month.
Kimbrough points out the current job market's difficulties, remarking, "You are navigating a tough environment where the number of applicants per job has surged. In this context, small businesses serve as the most viable entry point right now."
As noted in an October report by LinkedIn, larger corporations have seen a stagnation or decline in the proportion of entry-level positions they offer. For newcomers, gaining practical experience is essential, regardless of the organization's scale. Kimbrough advises, "For recent graduates, the priority is to get a foothold in their chosen field. If large companies aren’t hiring as abundantly as before, don’t overlook the plethora of smaller firms that are available nearby."
And here’s where it gets contentious: Should young job seekers focus solely on smaller companies, or is there still value in targeting larger organizations despite the odds? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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