With 86 percent of U.S. companies looking to hire employees in key departments this year, more than half (52 percent) say they intend to hire recent college graduates.

This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

College graduates have continually been on the radar for hiring decision-makers since 2020 (48 percent in the first half of 2021, 43 percent in the second half of 2020, 38 percent in the first half of 2020). Further, more than one in three say they plan to hire vocational/career tech graduates (42 percent) and/or college students (36 percent) in 2022.

As these college and career tech grads apply for jobs, they may face at least an initial virtual interview as 61 percent of businesses say they have conducted remote video interviews. However, these remote interviews come with their own challenges for interviewees.

More than two in five hiring decision-makers (43 percent) say they are tougher with candidates in remote interviews as compared to in-person. Specifically, if interviewees are seen wearing unprofessional dress (e.g., loungewear, spaghetti straps, etc.) (41 percent), hiring decision-makers report it would cause them not to hire the candidate.

The state of the interviewees’ background is also under watch as a visible mess (36 percent), a TV on (35 percent) and/or people in the background (31 percent) could be cause for the candidate to be denied the position.

“Virtual interviews are effective, but pose new challenges for the candidate. Technology, background noise (visual and audio), and even a slow internet connection can change the feel of the conversation. It is just as crucial that you portray trust and professionalism when interviewing virtually,” said Maria O’Connell, owner of the Chester County – Main Line Express franchise. “Being prepared for an interview, knowing the details of your resume, the position, and the company’s core values are always a great place to start.”

The labor market is ideal for these new graduates, and they should take advantage of this kickstart in their career paths, according to Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller.

“With higher wages and more demand for their talent than many previous generations, we congratulate the Class of 2022 and look forward to seeing their impact on the workforce,” he said.     

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Nov. 10 and Dec. 2, 2021 and among 1,009 hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18 and older who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data were weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

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If you would like to arrange for an interview with Maria O’Connell, call 484-329-7930.

Express Employment Professionals, the sponsor of VISTA Today’s Hiring Chesco, is in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Its international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 526,000 people globally in 2020. Learn more.

The Chester County – Main Line, PA Express office is located at 215 Lancaster Avenue and serves the Greater Philadelphia area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit the website, or call 484-329-7930.