When you need to fill a position, your first instinct may be to seek out experienced professionals. The issue is, if you’re overlooking recent graduates, you could be missing out on an exceptional opportunity.
New grads often bring far more to the table than you’d expect. Plus, in some ways, they may have more of what you’re after than candidates with more time under their belt.
If you are wondering why you should hire recent grads, here are three reasons to consider.
1. Enthusiasm
Most recent graduates are excited to take their newly acquired skills into the workplace. They are optimistic about their careers and what the future may hold, causing them to be highly enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Plus, new grads are seeking out opportunities to prove themselves. This boosts their internal motivation, as exceeding expectations – not just meeting them – is usually a priority.
In many cases, recent graduates are also happy to share information about cutting-edge technologies or techniques they learned about during their studies. If you’re interested in updating a process and it’s something they are familiar with, having a chance to contribute on that level is incredibly enticing. As a result, they aren’t likely to hold back when it comes to sharing what they know, giving you more access to helpful information.
2. Moldability
When you hire a recent graduate, you’re bringing an employee on board that you can quickly mold into your ideal worker. Usually, newly-minted professionals don’t have many – if any – bad workplace habits. As a result, they are more open to adopting your preferred methods.
If you want to cultivate your perfect employee, training is the key. By presenting the new hire with clear guidance, you not only clarify expectations but you ensure that they embrace the best practices you set forth. In the end, this will become their professional foundation, increasing the odds that your way will be their way for the long term.
Plus, recent graduates are usually willing to learn. Education has been their “job” for years, so they are open to the idea of acquiring new knowledge if it means professional success. At times, their willingness to learn is stronger than professionals who may be more set in their ways, which could make a new grad an ideal choice for upskilling upon hire.
3. Affordability
In many cases, hiring a recent graduate saves you money. After all, they are at the beginning of their career, so they usually understand that their salary will reflect their lack of experience.
At times, this can help you secure critical skills for less. In others, it gives you the room to hire for potential, as fitting any necessary training into your budget may be easier to shoulder.
Ultimately, hiring a recent grad can be an incredibly smart move. Not only are they enthusiastic about launching their careers, but they can often be molded into your ideal employee, all with a smaller price tag.
If you’d like to learn more about why new graduates are a great option or are seeking out top talent for your vacant positions, the team at GSG Talent Solutions can help. Contact us today.