Last updated: 10-1-2026
The summer is here and recruiters are looking for top talent to hire. Recent college graduates are among the most sought after to fill those positions. A survey by NACE shows that employers plan to hire 9.6 percent more graduates than the class of 2014. Why are employers hiring the most recent group to enter the workforce, and more importantly, are you looking at recent graduates as potential candidates? If you’re still stuck on the fence about the class of 2015, here are some qualities this group will bring to the table.
QUICK ANSWER
Recent college graduates are one of the most in-demand hiring pools going: employers plan to hire 9.6% more new grads year over year. A recent grad brings genuine energy, a different (not lesser) kind of experience, and a lower starting cost than a seasoned hire.
In short: A recent grad isn’t a compromise hire, they’re a genuinely different asset. They bring a breath of fresh air free of old work habits, a real, if different, kind of experience built from internships and self-taught skills, and a lower cost of entry than a seasoned candidate — with the only direction from there being up.
OUR EXPERIENCE WITH RECENT GRAD HIRING
CareerPlug competes for the same young, social-native talent pool this page is talking about, so we practice what it preaches: “Even at CareerPlug, a software company, we have found ways to stay active on our LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We post for national holidays, announce upcoming events, share employee spotlights to showcase the real faces behind our talented team, and more!”
Looking for a practical playbook for why hire recent graduates?
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See CareerPlug in action →Why should you hire recent grads?
A breath of fresh air.
A person who recently graduated and is new to the career world can be a perfect choice. You have the opportunity to hire someone free of any previous bad work attitudes or habits. A younger, recent grad can bring a spark of energy and a new perspective to your office. Going with a more forward, progressive hire, you are allowing your company to adapt and grow into tomorrow’s workforce. Compared to other seasoned candidates, recent college grads will be more likely to adjust and learn while also bringing creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Experienced.
When deciding which two candidates should get the job, having experience could be a tie-breaker. Nowadays, there are different types of “experience”. Instead of having 10+ years in one work setting, newer candidates and graduates are now entering the workforce with much more diverse backgrounds. Different internships here, self taught skills there, and lets not talk about all of the technological and social media experience new college grads have under their belt.
Money Saver.
Yes, really. Many companies hate to admit it, but hiring workers fresh out of school is a penny saver. Money is not the most important factor to many graduates who often look for potential growth, applying their degree, and a positive company culture. Plus, graduates understand that they are starting at the bottom and will not expect the same pay a candidate with years of experience might. Think of hiring a recent graduate as an investment where the only direction to go is up.
The market for new grads keeps getting more competitive
New-grad hiring has only grown since 2015. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to hire 14.7% more new college graduates from the class of 2023 compared to the class of 2022.
A campus recruiting strategy — also called a university recruiting strategy — is an approach to attract, engage, and hire talented students directly from universities. It entails both in-person and online outreach to identify students early in their academic careers who might be a good fit for a business. Campus recruiting can be as simple as spreading the word about your business, or as serious as offering internships or entry-level positions to top students.
Final thoughts
When deciding to hire college graduates, it’s important to take all factors into account. Although these individuals are out of school, they are still learning and curious to see what your company has to offer. A refreshing candidate can bring positive energy, experience, and a lower pay stub. Still on the fence? Check out a previous Careerplug post on everything millennials, the current generation merging into the workforce.
For more hiring tips follow us on Twitter @CareeerPlug
Frequently asked questions about hiring recent graduates
How can I connect with recent graduates to hire?
Quick tip: ask Career Services to post your job openings and company information on their social media feeds. Most career centers will have some form of social media to keep students updated about opportunities. Utilizing that resource not only spreads awareness, but builds you a positive company reputation among the student community.
Do recent grads want a long-term career, not just a job?
College students and recent grads want careers, not just jobs. It’s up to you to prove that you’re just as invested in their growth as they are.
Ready to turn these recommendations into a repeatable hiring process?
CareerPlug gives your team the tools to put this why hire recent graduates guidance into action without adding more administrative work.
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