Results of the most recent TalentEgg poll show that, above all else, the majority of students and new grads are looking for opportunities for advancement when they search for jobs.
What’s the most important factor when students and recent grads search for jobs?
More than one third of students and grads (34%) indicated that opportunities for advancement is the most important factor when they’re searching for a job.
About one quarter of respondents indicated that good salary (23%) and job training and support (25%) are the most important factors.
Perhaps surprisingly, the typical Gen Y stereotypes of work culture and work flexibility came in at only 11% and 5% respectively.
Recommendations for employers
These results indicate exactly how much information employers should provide about each of these factors in recruitment messages, including job postings.
Although it may be tempting to focus primarily on benefits, flexible working hours and office culture, career-minded students and recent grads really want to know to where and how quickly they will advance, and what kind of training and support you will provide on the job.
How are you making sure students and new grads know about the opportunities for advancement and on-the-job training offered at your organization?
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October 31, 2011 at 11:48 am
I think this is very interesting. According to the chart, More than one third of students and grads (34%) indicated that opportunities for advancement is the most important factor when they’re searching for a job. When I ask my friends, most of them are looking for better salary these days. Good company pays more than average company.
October 31, 2011 at 4:16 pm
If the options were offered, I think a large portion of people would unfortunately answer “The fact that they will hire me!”
I wish more people answered work flexibility & culture, but I think that’s also something you start to learn more about after having your first “real” job.