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2026 Talent Pulse Survey Findings

Job searching in 2026 looks different than it did just a few years ago. With AI changing how applications are screened, more platforms competing for candidates’ attention, and hiring practices continuing to evolve, we wanted to find out what the job search actually looks like from the candidate’s perspective.

Over the course of July, we asked more than 700 professionals on LinkedIn within IT, EDI, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, HR, Administration, Sales, Marketing, and more to participate in our 2026 Talent Pulse Survey, to capture a pulse of where professionals are searching for work, which tools they’re using, how responsive employers are being, and what truly matters when it comes time to hit “apply.”

The results give us a closer look at where professionals are searching for work, which platforms they’re using, what influences their decision to apply, how responsive employers are being, and what’s frustrating candidates most.

The 11 questions we asked:

1. What type of work are you currently looking for?
2. What field are you searching in?
3. How long have you been actively job searching?
4. Which of the following platforms have you used to search for jobs?
5. Which platform do you use MOST often?
6. If you applied for a job, how long did it take for you to receive feedback?
7. If you received feedback, how did you receive it?
8. Have you worked with a staffing agency before?
9. If you have worked with a staffing agency, how did you find it?
10. What matters MOST to you when choosing where to apply?
11. What’s your BIGGEST frustration with job searching right now?

We’ve pulled out a few of the findings that caught our attention, but there is more to the story. Keep reading for a quick look, and fill out this form to access the full survey findings.

Here’s a quick look at question 5 and question 10:

Q5: “Which platform do you use MOST often?”

The fifth question we asked was, “Which platform do you use MOST often?” When it comes to searching for a new opportunity, our findings suggest that LinkedIn is the platform professionals use most often. More than one-third of respondents (37%) selected LinkedIn as their primary job-search platform.

ZipRecruiter was second place at 11%, while company websites directly (9%) and Facebook (8.5%) were also among the most-used options. Indeed, despite being used by 45% of respondents at some point during their search, it was the top platform for just 7.79% of respondents.

The results show that job seekers aren’t relying on just one source to find their next opportunity. For employers looking to reach qualified candidates, having a presence across the platforms where professionals are actively searching can make a difference.

Q10: “What matters most to you when choosing where to apply?”

The tenth question we asked candidates was, “What matters most to you when choosing where to apply?” Finding the right candidate starts with understanding what makes them interested in an opportunity in the first place. We asked respondents to rank the factors that matter most when deciding where to apply, giving us a closer look at what candidates are prioritizing during their job search.

Top 3 factors:

#1 Salary & Payrate

#2 Location

#3 Flexible schedule

The results highlight that candidates are evaluating more than just the job title. Their pay, where they work, and flexibility to have their own schedule were respondents’ top factors – even more than remote flexibility, benefits, career growth opportunities, company reputation, and company culture.

For employers competing for talent, understanding these priorities can help create opportunities that stand out – and give qualified candidates a reason not only to apply, but to choose your opportunity over another.

Want to see the full results along with our recommendations for hiring managers and employers?

Fill out this form to access the complete 2026 Talent Pulse Survey findings and see what more than 700+ candidates and professionals had to say about today’s job search.