Recent college graduates are encountering such a tough job market that both their perceived strengths and weaknesses are equally ranked by human resource professionals, according to a new poll from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Thirty percent of respondents say recent college graduates have an advantage because "they are seeking entry-level positions and that is what we are hiring for." However, the same number of respondents admits entry-level positions are not available, which puts recent college graduates at a disadvantage.
Although 34 percent of respondents say recent college grads are more likely to be seen as exceedingly tech savvy—it's generally not enough to find employment.
Recommended For You
Thirty-seven percent of respondents say college graduates "are more likely to be under-qualified for the jobs they apply for" in 2011 while 21 percent of respondents say their company has reduced resources for training.
"Networking is key in 2011," says Evren Esen, manager, Survey Research Center at SHRM. "HR professionals recommend recent graduates and those soon to graduate utilize their university career center programs and official graduate recruiting channels. In addition, joining a membership association in the field graduates want to enter can help in the form of networking and mentoring opportunities."
For recent graduates who have landed a job, 76 percent of the positions were "mostly full-time," permanent positions, say the respondents. Six percent of the jobs were mostly part time, temporary or contract positions,and 12 percent were a combination of all positions.
According to 22 percent of respondents, college graduates from top schools have an advantage, especially given 2011's economic climate. Nearly 7 in 10, or 69 percent, of respondents agree the economy has amplified job competition for graduates in 2011.
As the economy regains footing, approximately 64 percent of respondents say their company will seek 2011 college graduates to a "small extent" while 5 percent plan to target new graduates to a "large extent. Eighteen percent of respondents plan to do so at "some extent," and 14 percent of respondents say they "will not hire" new graduates in 2011.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
