by: Yin Lo | Client Relationship Manager
Because education continues to be a key factor in opening doors of opportunity, it’s no wonder more students are graduating from college now as opposed to just 20 years ago. As a result, top companies have a larger pool of hungry and sharp graduates looking to take on the world! Working with a recent college graduate is great because they’re not only educated but polished, moldable, and flexible.
However, with everyone getting their hands on the young and fresh, what about the more seasoned candidates? From an employer perspective, many factors should be weighed before making a hiring decision. The experienced individual may want/need a higher salary but also brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Plus, these individuals often come with solid references if they were valued at their previous company. The recent college graduate, on the other hand, is very trainable, adaptable, eager to learn, and often able to live off a lower salary initially (thanks to college)! However, work ethics are yet to be determined. It’s often a tough decision.
The way I see things, it comes down to the opportunity that your company has to offer and how that role will benefit you and the employee in the long run. Graduates will jump on an opportunity with no hesitation if they feel it will get their foot in the door to a great company that will offer greater opportunities. If you keep them in that role for too long, however, they get ready to jump ship. Yes—there can be a lack of loyalty there; that’s often the Gen Y mentality. Long gone are the days where you have young individuals that will remain with the same company for the 20 or 30 years. On the other hand, seasoned employees appreciate opportunities given to them and embrace it. I’m not saying they’re not hungry either—as humans, we have a predisposition to continue learning. They’re just more interested in job stability.
So when deciding who to target for your hiring needs, it’s important to map out the role, responsibilities, and realistic opportunities a position offers to ensure you’re identifying the right candidate.
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