As spring ushers in the graduation season, employers look forward to a fresh crop of newly tasseled job candidates. Actually, “look forward to” might be a bit of an understatement this year. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2022 report, employers plan to hire a third more (31.6%) college graduates in 2022 than in 2021. Quite the turnaround from the job market new grads faced a mere twelve months ago.
Good news indeed that has four in five (81%) recent or soon-to-be college grads confident they’ll get a job offer in alignment with their career goals. And grads are pinning their hopes on reports that 72% of employers have reported raising entry-level salaries in the past 12 months. Even more good news: 57% of hiring managers admit that the candidates have the upper hand in the current candidate-driven job market.
In reality, some employers are thrilled to find anyone willing to work. The labor shortage has changed the perspective of those perusing resumes for quality candidates. For instance, “job-hopping” would have waved an instant red flag for many hiring managers before the pandemic recovery spurred a major staffing shortage. But now, this former deal-breaker is overlooked or considered a less lethal resume blemish by many in the HR department.
Those on the hiring side of the employment equation would do well to keep in mind that recent college graduates have come of age during the tumult that COVID-19 spread across our world. The “new normal” is the only “normal” many of them have known in their independent, adult life. The chaotic times that have keenly impacted our view of nearly everything have intensely influenced their perspectives, especially on life/work balance and overall quality of life.
Themes that top their job must-haves list include—
- Work and workplace flexibility with many insisting on a “hybrid” arrangement that benefits life-work balance.
- It’s a high priority for 2022 graduates, and they favor employers who also make diversity a priority.
- Awareness of mental health-related issues rose to the surface during the recent and ongoing tumultuous times, sparking a desire for understanding, supportive workplace environments, especially among these newer-to-the-workforce employees.
And where do these uber tech-savvy candidates go for job search advice? You guessed it. Their go-to resources include internet-based sources such as YouTube, TikTok, and any social media platform that provides job-related postings. Translation? Companies with positions to fill had better have their internet presence in order.
This graduation season should find both grads and employers excited about their prospects. And A. R. Mazzotta can assist both with making right-fit connections between eager candidates and employers with multiple openings. Quick! Call or text (860) 347-1626 to reach a real person, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.