4 Reasons why you should take a chance on a graduate with no experience

Graduation season is vastly approaching, and thankfully, it looks like students this year will be able to celebrate their success with their family and friends during a proper ceremony – not one celebrated over Zoom or FaceTime. (Or for some graduates, having their celebration months after they’ve been rushed into the world of work, with less excitement and optimism about the future.)

We say this at Beam because the happy, excited grads have now sent off their CVs, and have most likely had many interviews, which means a lot of graduates have officially been plummeted into a world of many, many rejections.

We loved your enthusiasm, and we think you’d be a great member of the team, but just not right now. We’ve gone for a candidate with more experience.

Graduates are frustrated, and understandably so. They’ve worked hard this whole time, just to be told it’s not enough. To expect three years’ experience and a degree in this day and age is a tough ask, especially when there’s not many employers out there willing to give these graduates a chance.

So, you may be thinking….

I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t have the time to train new graduates.

No matter the experience (unless the candidate has worked directly for you before), you’re going to have to train them one way or another. You’ll have a different system, different ways of working, and a different message/brand image from other companies. Experienced or not, the work needs to be put in.

I get you, but what if the graduate realises this isn’t for them and quits?

You’ll be taking that chance with anyone you hire!

But what if they’re terrible at the job?

You could hire an experienced person who’s also terrible at the job. You never know!

It’s all about trusting your gut. We’re not saying next time you hire someone it has to be a graduate, but if you meet with a graduate and really like them, don’t let their lack of experience put you off.

Here’s why we believe hiring a graduate can be a great thing.

1 – They’re the next generation

And what’s better than that? It’s up to the people of today to train and build the people of tomorrow. The future world leaders, the future CEO’s – it’s an exciting thing to be a part of.

The less people who take on graduates, the more skilled people there are not using their skills. A degree is sat in a corner somewhere, growing dusty and unused, which is a huge shame.

Just because a candidate may not have office experience, or CMS experience, doesn’t mean they have no skills at all. Gen-Z is an exciting generation of young people who are up to date with world news, share their thoughts often on public platforms, engage in important topics, and most recently have gained a whole degree during a global pandemic. They are tough, and can handle the busy working environment, which is a great reason on its own to give them a chance!

2 – Graduates are keen learners

Graduates are super keen to learn and do an excellent job. They’ve spent three years to get to this point, and they’re not going to stop caring once they’ve landed their dream role.

Sadly, Millennials’ will be the first generation to earn less than their parents, and we’re sure Gen-Z will most likely experience the same fate. With this, they have to work harder to get where they want in life, building a portfolio wherever they go. Graduates could really benefit and gain lots of skills and experience from your business, and you could in return have a hard, talented workforce behind you.

3 – They provide a fresh perspective

Have you scrolled on LinkedIn recently without seeing at least one person giving tips on how to win over a Gen-Z market? That’s because they’re the people of the future, the people we want buying our products.

Who could give you those insights better than someone from that generation? They can really help you tap into the new market, presenting you with ideas and perspectives outside of your own.

It’s exciting – and you’ll benefit a lot from it!

4 – They’re tech savvy & fast learners

They grew up with iPhones, iPads and iPods!

You need someone who can pick up your system quickly, schedule posts & collect data on excel like a pro. Graduates have spent the last three years data collecting, social media scrolling, intense internet researching, and submitting things to a harsh deadline.

A graduate on your team bring so much to the table. It’s their second nature to work under pressure, adapt to new technology, and help those around them who are less tech-savvy.

You’ll benefit from having a team of all generations, and there’s lots they can learn from each other.

We hope this blog has given you an insight into why you should hire a graduate next time you’re recruiting – we look forward to hearing your graduate success stories!

Beam Recruit is a specialist accountancy and finance recruitment consultancy based on three principles: transparent, honest and ethical. Whether you’re recruiting for a position or looking for your next role, Beam can help you along the way.