Graduates vs Young and Experienced – Which Should You Hire?

The graduate job market is gradually recovering from the effects of the recession. Companies often hire inexperienced graduates over more experienced non-graduates, partly due to the prestige of a university education. However, applicants shouldn’t be discounted on the basis of their qualifications alone. A competent and experienced non-graduate candidate could ultimately require less training, and may be a better fit for a small company.

Workplace Habits

Many graduates leave university with very little work experience. Employers must take a gamble, as these candidates might not yet have developed an appropriate work ethic. Indeed, many small business owners find that their graduate hires struggle with punctuality, or call in sick more regularly than other staff members. More experienced candidates, on the other hand, will have a better understanding of how to act in the workplace.

Skills and Experience

Unless they completed a placement as part of their course, most graduates won’t have direct industry experience. However, they will possess a different range of useful skills, from research and analysis to presenting and writing. Experienced candidates will be more knowledgeable about the requirements of the role. However, they may be lacking other skills, such as the ability to self-motivate and work independently.

Concepts and Ideas

Although they have little real-world experience, graduates are often enthusiastic when they begin their first job. As a result, they are usually full of fresh ideas and concepts, which could revitalise your business. Experienced candidates could be a little more jaded – however, they could provide useful insights and tips from their previous roles.

Salary and Training Costs

It’s widely believed that a university degree commands a higher salary. However, if a similarly-aged candidate has several years of industry experience, they will often expect to be paid roughly the same wage. When choosing between inexperienced graduates and experienced non-graduates, salary concerns shouldn’t influence the hiring decision.

Corroborating the Story

When hiring a graduate, it is important to remember that no two universities or courses are equal. Before inviting a candidate to an interview, research the calibre of their qualifications. You should also consider employee retention, as graduates rarely stay in their first post-university job for a long time. However, hiring a non-graduate also requires some caution. The candidate’s qualifications and work history must be checked thoroughly, and references from previous employers must always be sought before making an offer.

The recruitment process is rarely easy, and many factors will influence the eventual hiring decision. Choosing between education and experience is particularly challenging, as inexperienced graduates and experienced non-graduates could both make a welcome addition to your business. Each candidate will possess a unique set of qualities and skills, regardless of their educational background. Ultimately, you should keep an open mind when searching for a new hire – and never rule out a candidate based on their qualifications (or lack thereof).

This article was written by Mark Potter of Namecheap.com, a leading ICANN accredited domain registrar and web host.

 

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