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Candidate Expectations May Not Align with Employers

by Dave Nerz

Covid is beginning to recede and the market for talent is super-heated. You have survived the downturn caused by the pandemic. You have adjusted to the challenges presented by work from home (WFH), work anywhere, and hybrid work options for candidates. You have endured, and even organized, Zoom interviews for candidates, virtual onboarding, no shows, ghosting, falloffs and turndowns. What is next?

Recruiters, according to research by iCIMS, there are more challenges in your future. The iCIMS survey shows that new graduates, soon to be your candidates, are likely to be a bit idealistic about career aspirations, work locations and many other conditions surrounding their employment. Here are some of the big candidate expectations:

Pay Gap

Graduates from the “Class of Covid-19” expect a starting salary of $70K. Employers are expecting to pay new hires $53,000 annually.

Candidate Expectations About Work Location

90% of grads say they would go to an office, but expect accommodation for WFH or remote. Nearly a third of recent grads are willing to work in a virtual reality and that is substantially more than the general workforce.

Mental Health/Culture Fit

Grads expect employers to engage in conversation regarding their well being and will ultimately expect strong alignment between corporate culture and their personal values. It is more than just a job.

Work vs. Life

In this group of employees, nearly half see work as just a job and not as important as their personal passions. About the same percentage feel they can be successful in their careers without following a 9-to-5 work schedule.

Professionalism and Interviews

Most recent grads do not feel dress codes are appropriate. They say what they wear does not impact their work outputs. Looks like many will require coaching and prep to be professional enough to get through the interview process that might keep them from getting those jobs they feel they can slay! And, oh, cover letters are not seen as important.

Employee Loyalty

The group gets categorized as job hoppers. Surprisingly, 91% say they care how long they stay with an employer and almost 70% can envision staying with an employer long-term.

You have navigated so much…now the “product’ of your work, the candidate, will be creating new challenges. Buckle up!

Posted in: Employers

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