Navigating Today's Job Market as a New Grad

 – April 10, 2023
Navigating Today

As graduation season approaches, what kind of job market will the class of 2023 face? New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals five trends for college graduates planning to launch their career:

  1. Multiple interviews — Employers typically conduct four interviews with an entry-level candidate before extending an offer. But the process moves fairly quickly, with companies taking five weeks on average to make a hire.
  2. Questions that gauge soft skills — One in five managers attribute their hiring mistakes to placing too much weight on technical skills. To avoid making the same misstep, employers are asking situational questions to learn more about a candidate's traits and interpersonal abilities, such as self-motivation and collaboration, which are especially critical in hybrid and remote work environments.
  3. Preparation and follow-through — Beyond skills, managers said the following actions can tip the scales in an applicant's favor:
    • Researching the company (67%)
    • Maintaining a respectable online presence (51%)
    • Sending a thank-you note after an interview (49%)
  4. In-office time — While remote work gained prominence during the pandemic, less than one in three entry-level jobs (29%) are advertised as hybrid or fully remote. However, off-site opportunities are more common for technology and finance and accounting positions.
  5. Hiring bright spots — College graduates can increase their chances of finding work by exploring roles and industries with the most jobs available. 
First-Time-Job-Search Entry-Level-Skills
Entry-Level-Roles

Entry-Level-Industries
"While there are plenty of opportunities for the class of 2023, upcoming graduates should prepare for a rigorous hiring process," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. "Landing the right job requires patience and persistence. It's important for first-time job seekers to target their search, tailor application materials, network and be proactive throughout the process."

McDonald offers three job search tips for new grads:

  1. Pinpoint your priorities. Figure out what matters most to you in a job so you can focus your search. Consider deal makers and breakers, and potential compromises.
  2. Request an in-person interview if the role requires in-office work. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the commute, company culture and your potential colleagues, which are all critical aspects of ensuring a good long-term fit.
  3. Prepare to negotiate. The job market continues to favor skilled workers. Ask for the salary you deserve and other nonmonetary perks you value before accepting an offer.

Visit the Robert Half blog for tips on preparing for a job interview.

 

 

Related events

December 7, 2023Live Webcast
Featured
December 13, 2023New Brunswick
Featured
December 4, 2023Roseland & Live Webcast
December 5, 2023Spring Lake
December 6, 2023Live Webcast
December 6, 2023Live Webcast
December 7, 2023Live Webcast
December 7, 2023Glen Rock
Bergen Chapter
Holiday Happy Hour
December 8, 2023Live Webcast
December 9, 2023Edison
Middlesex/Somerset Chapter
Annual Tax Seminar
December 11, 2023Live Webcast
December 12, 2023Live Webcast
December 13, 2023Live Webcast
December 14, 2023Roseland & Live Webcast
December 14, 2023Live Webcast
December 15, 2023Webcast Replay
December 15, 2023East Hanover
December 15, 2023Live Webcast
December 15, 2023Live Webcast
December 18, 2023Spring Lake
Monmouth/Ocean Chapter
Accounting & Auditing Update
December 18, 2023Roseland & Live Webcast
December 18, 2023Live Webcast
December 19, 2023Paterson
December 21, 2023Live Webcast
December 27, 2023Live Webcast
December 28, 2023Webcast Replay
January 4, 2024Paramus
January 4, 2024Haddonfield
Southwest Jersey Chapter
Technology Update
January 6, 2024Spring Lake
Monmouth/Ocean Chapter
Tax Seminar
January 9, 2024Paterson
Passaic County Chapter
Cybersecurity | Cryptocurrency
January 11, 2024West Long Branch
Monmouth/Ocean Chapter
Golf Clinic/ Happy Hour
January 17, 2024Webcast Replay
January 17, 2024Live Webcast
January 18 - 19, 2024Live Webcast
January 23, 2024E. Brunswick
Middlesex/Somerset Chapter
Artificial Intelligence | Crypto
January 25, 2024Live Webcast
January 25, 2024Live Webcast
February 1, 2024Paramus
Bergen Chapter
Special Topics
April 19, 2024East Hanover
April 23, 2024Clark
May 7, 2024Secaucus
May 9, 2024Haddonfield
Southwest Jersey Chapter
Nonprofit Update
May 9, 2024Edison
Middlesex/Somerset Chapter
CPE and Networking at Top Golf
May 10, 2024Live Webcast
May 17, 2024Webcast Replay
June 11 - 14, 2024Atlantic City