In 2021, 59% of employers surveyed reported experiencing recruiting difficulties for skilled roles in Australia. The labor shortage across Australia has continued in 2022. One solution for small to medium businesses is to consider hiring recent graduates and creating graduate programs that bridge the gap between academia and the workforce. Grads are a vast pool of untapped potential that come at a much lower cost than seasoned workers.  Not only are they a “blank canvas,” that can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table, recent graduates can be molded to perfectly fit the culture of your company.   So, if you’re looking for someone to help with your company’s growth, hiring a recent graduate may be the right move for you.

Here are six reasons you should hire a recent graduate:

1. Recent graduates are energetic and motivated

As any employer knows, finding the right candidates for a job can be a challenge. During the current labor shortage, it can be difficult if not impossible to find someone who has the perfect mix of skills and experience. However, one group that is often overlooked is recent graduates. While they may not have extensive experience, recent graduates are energetic and motivated. They are also eager to learn and willing to take on new challenges. As a result, hiring a recent graduate can be a great way to inject some new energy into your business. With the right training and support, they can quickly become an asset to your team.

2. They’re tech-savvy and have a strong understanding of new technologies

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it’s more important than ever to hire employees who are tech-savvy and have a strong understanding of new technologies. Fortunately, recent graduates are well positioned to meet this need. Most have grown up with computers, smartphones and other devices, and are comfortable using them for both work and leisure. In addition, they’re typically familiar with a wide range of software programs and applications. In fields like marketing, they will be across trends that older employees don’t even know about.  Think: their reel game is off the charts and their Tik Toks get millions of views.  As a result, recent graduates can hit the ground running in a wide variety of tech-related roles.  So if you’re looking to staff your company with qualified tech professionals, don’t overlook the talent pool of recent graduates.

3. They’re versatile and can adapt to new environments quickly

Many employers are hesitant to hire recent graduates, believing that they lack the skills and experience needed to be successful in the workplace. However, recent graduates are actually quite versatile and can adapt to new environments quickly. They also bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. In addition, recent graduates are often eager to learn and willing to take on new challenges. As a result, they can be an untapped resource in an over stretched labor market. When hiring for entry-level positions, employers should keep these attributes in mind and give recent graduates a chance to prove themselves. With the right support and guidance, they have the potential to thrive in any setting.

4. They’re team players and work well in collaborative settings

Recent graduates are team players and work well in collaborative settings. This is due in part to the fact that they are used to working with others in an academic setting. They are also accustomed to working on group projects. As a result, recent graduates are typically very good at working together with others. This makes them ideal candidates for positions that require teamwork. Additionally, recent graduates are often very detail-oriented and organised. This helps them to excel in positions that require close attention to detail and meticulousness.  Overall, recent graduates make excellent employees who are able to work well both independently and as part of a team. 

5. They have a fresh perspective on the world and bring new ideas to the table

Many employers are hesitant to hire recent graduates, mistakenly thinking that they lack the experience and skills needed to be successful in the workforce. But, a recent graduate can bring a lot to your company. They’re not jaded, they haven’t picked up heaps of bad habits during their career, and they don’t apply the same paradigms to new problems.  Having a fresh perspective on the world means they are more open to new ideas and ways of doing things. They are also often keen to learn and take on new challenges. If you are looking for someone who is adaptable and willing to try new things, then hiring a recent graduate could be a great option for your business. They may also be more affordable than someone with more experience. So, if you are looking to inject some fresh energy into your business, consider hiring a recent graduate.

6. They’re cost-effective – they typically come with lower salary requirements

A great way to get more bang for your buck in today’s hiring market is to hire a recent graduate.  Recent graduates typically have lower salary requirements than more experienced workers, making them a cost-effective option for businesses. In addition, recent graduates are often eager to learn and willing to work hard to prove themselves. This can make them a valuable asset to any business. It can also create a more sustainable hiring model, whereby you hire, train, and keep recent graduates.  These recent graduates will quickly become indoctrinated in your employer brand and, if you treat them right, be advocates of your business for life.  

Overall, the Great Resignation has meant that things are looking up for recent graduates just entering the workforce.  If you’re looking for a new employee with the energy and motivation to help your business grow, consider hiring a recent graduate. They’re tech-savvy and able to adapt quickly to new environments, making them versatile employees who can contribute fresh ideas to your team. And at a fraction of the cost of more experienced hires, they’re an excellent value for your company. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you place a recent graduate at your company.