Ready to bring on some fresh promo talent? Now’s the time to act. Hiring for recent grads is expected to rise nearly 8% this year. If you want to connect with this group of emerging talent, make sure you focus on what they care about most. One study shows that 78% of recent college grads primarily value job stability, followed by a healthy workplace culture.

Writer Michele McGovern wrote a piece for HR Morning that covers some ways companies can attract and convince the best college grads to join their team. We share her ideas in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

  1. Make an effort to meet them. You don’t need to host formal career fairs, McGovern says, but you should work with local campuses, industry groups or the chamber of commerce to stay involved and put your best face forward. She says most recent college grads are more than willing to attend career fairs and networking events, so get out there and meet them.

  2. Offer the right incentive. Many new grads have some kind of student loan debt, and 55% say it’s a big stressor. If you can offer some kind of perk, like a student loan payment matching program, do it. But if you can’t, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the running for top talent. Small gestures go a long way. Even offering a small signing bonus or flexible scheduling can make your offer stand out. McGovern points out that 54% of employers are offering hybrid working schedules, compared to 42% requiring full-time work in the office. Just 4% of entry-level positions are fully remote.

  3. Emphasize growth. McGovern says new grads want to continue learning and growing their skills. In fact, this group of up-and-coming professionals often commit to job opportunities because they see a chance to grow their skills or advance their career goals. Make sure you highlight internal mobility opportunities and give them examples of people who have succeeded at your organization.

Hiring recent college grads isn’t just about filling entry-level roles. These candidates are often motivated, open to learning and ready to make an impact. But they’re also discerning. They want stability, flexibility and a workplace that values their contributions. Follow the tips above to position your company as the place where bright promo futures begin.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Michele McGovern is a writer who contributes to HR Morning, among many others. She covers topics including HR, leadership and the ever-changing world of work.