Getting ready to hire a recent college grad? Here's how to set them up for success

Considering hiring college grads as part of your talent strategy? Here’s what you need to know to make this strategy a winner.

The benefits of hiring a recent college graduate

According to Julie Bawden-Davis in her article “12 Professionals Offer Tips for Hiring College Graduates” for American Express, there are several distinct benefits to hiring college graduates. Because they’re digital natives, they’re incredibly tech savvy, and they can offer innovative ideas. And as community-minded people, they can help promote the company culture and energize the organization with their new perspectives.

Set them up for success

Despite the benefits hiring recent college graduates offers, it can be challenging to add new employees to your team — especially if they’re not accustomed to the pressures of working full-time. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to set them up for success.

From ensuring they are a culture fit to providing career coaching, here are 5 ways to help recent college graduates succeed.

Company culture fit

Make sure they’re a good fit for the company culture. During the recruitment process, consider whether the candidate will thrive in the company culture. One way to determine culture fit is to consider the culture of their school. In addition, look at things like achievements and extra-curricular activities. Consider these factors against the professional personas at your company.

Integrate them into the team

Instead of simply introducing new employees, provide them the opportunity to get to know team members. For example, set up one-on-one lunches. Or ask new hires to shadow team members they will be working closely with.

Assign mentors

The Forbes article “Creative Onboarding Strategies to Set Your New Hire Up for Success” reports that mentors should be more senior employees. This is because senior employees can counsel the ne hires and help them adjust to the organization.

Help them get quick wins

In his Harvard Business Review article “7 Ways to Set Up a New Hire for Success,” Michael D. Watkins advises that this is a good way to help new employees build their confidence. Encourage recent college graduates to focus on one or two objectives instead of taking on too much.

Career coaching

Provide recent college grads with career coaching. This will motivate new hires to stay with your company. Take time to understand each new hire's career goals. Then, determine a clear career path for them within the company.

company you want new talent to stay with your company for the long term, it’s important to offer them clear career paths. Take some time to understand each new hire’s career goals and help them determine how they can reach them within the company.

It’s also important to check in with your new hires on a regular basis after the first week. Give them the opportunity to ask questions or share some of their experiences. This will enable you to give them better guidance — plus, it can help you fine-tune your onboarding strategy for future hires.

Source:

https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/12-professionals-offer-tips-for-hiring-college-graduates/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/05/15/creative-onboarding-strategies-to-set-your-new-hire-up-for-success/#50519bd357fd

https://hbr.org/2019/05/7-ways-to-set-up-a-new-hire-for-success