Hiring college grads can pay off for companies

Posted by Justin Hesser on December 14, 2011

Traditionally, experience has been a trump card for many individuals in the job-seeking market. However, outside factors have changed the business world significantly, and more companies now see great value in hiring younger job applicants straight out of college.

There are short- and long-term advantages to hiring a recent college graduate, according to ere.net, a recruiting news and advice website. It makes financial sense – young job hopefuls are simply more willing to work for less, and can be hired on relatively smaller entry-level salaries compared to their more experienced counterparts.

However, these workers might also be easier to train and develop professionally, said the source. That's because college graduates are not far from the learning environment, making them more likely to grasp workplace concepts and practices compared to older applicants.

Similarly, these individuals may find it easier to work with technology – such as a company's database software – and are often more likely to produce innovative work and ideas, said the report. As a result, the short- and long-term returns on this investment can be high.

At the same time, experienced candidates are not to be excluded entirely. Instead, these applicants might be better able to fit into specialized roles that depend largely on experience and talents within a specific field.

For instance, an organization may require an experienced human resources administrator who has history managing company payrolls and other related finances. By equipping this person with accessible and straightforward database software, companies may be able to overcome an extended learning curve that may be a concern with older candidates.

Turning to a developer that emphasizes a consultative approach to custom application development may be the best way to create database software that increases the productivity of young and old employees alike.