The Entry-Level Ladder Is Cracking - How To Build Your Own Way Up

"There are cracks in the entry-level ladder. And AI is widening the gap and breaking down the ladder quickly. Korn Ferry's Talent Acquisition Trends 2026 Report found that 43% of companies plan to replace roles with AI, with 37% specifically targeting entry-level positions."

"Hiring levels in the U.S. have indeed slowed quite a bit, and, as Harvard Business Review points out, there could be many reasons beyond AI, such as over-hiring during the Covid pandemic or fears of a recession. Regardless of the main reason, no one can deny that many are feeling the after-effects of multiple fields disappearing."

"AI can't take the place of certain human skills. So, even if artificial intelligence is removing the first few rungs of the entry-level ladder, this article will give you four strategies to build your own way up."

The entry-level job market is experiencing significant disruption due to multiple factors including AI automation and post-pandemic over-hiring. Korn Ferry reports that 43% of companies plan to replace roles with AI, with 37% specifically targeting entry-level positions. Traditional job search methods prove insufficient for many candidates despite extensive effort. However, artificial intelligence cannot replicate certain human skills that remain valuable to employers. The solution involves building visibility and personal branding before applying to positions, along with developing four specific strategies that leverage uniquely human capabilities to create alternative pathways up the career ladder.

Read at Forbes