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Blog Post

Hesitant to Hire New Grads? Learn Tips to Help Them Be a Game-Changer for Your Business

  • February 24, 2025

As a business owner or leader, do you ever feel like recent college graduates just aren’t ready for the real world? You’re not alone. Many companies hesitate to hire new grads because they lack practical skills and experience. But don’t worry; this blog post will show you how to bridge that gap and turn fresh graduates into valuable team members. By the end, you’ll have actionable tips to help new hires hit the ground running and boost your business.

Understanding the Problem

According to the 2025 National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook, in 2025, employers plan to hire 7.3% more new graduates from the class of 2025 than they did the class of 2024 because of succession planning needs and the importance of maintaining a talent pipeline. However, even with the increase in expected hiring, some companies are hesitant to hire recent grads. According to a 2025 survey by Intelligent.com, 1 in 6 companies are reluctant to bring on new graduates. This data supports the findings of the 2025 Hult International Business School survey that 98% of leaders say their organization is struggling to find talent, yet 89% say they avoid hiring recent graduates.

So why are businesses shy about hiring recent grads? Based on these surveys, employers report that the top reasons to avoid new graduates are their lack of experience, graduates not knowing how to work on a team, training costs, lack of skill sets, and poor business etiquette.  

But here’s the thing: new graduates can offer new perspectives, are tech savvy, can be cost-effective, and, if supported and developed, can make positive additions to your team for the long term. If you are one of the employers interested in recent graduates, here are some tips to help your business and new college graduate employees succeed and support your business objectives.

5 Game-Changing Tips

Tip 1: Offer Internships and Apprenticeships

One of the best ways to prepare graduates for the workforce is through internships and apprenticeships. These programs give students real-world experience while they’re still in school. Plus, you get to see their potential before offering a full-time position. It’s a win-win!

Tip 2: Focus on Soft Skills

Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial in any job. Unfortunately, many graduates lack these skills. To help them out, consider offering workshops or training sessions. Role-playing exercises and group projects can also be great ways to build these skills.

Tip 3: Provide Mentorship

Pairing new employees with experienced employees can make a huge difference. Mentors can guide them through the ins and outs of the job, offer advice, and help them navigate workplace challenges. This support system can boost their confidence and performance.

Tip 4: Set Clear Expectations

New graduates often struggle because they don’t know what’s expected of them. Be clear about job responsibilities, performance goals, and company culture from day one. Regular feedback sessions can also help them stay on track and improve.

Tip 5: Encourage Continuous Learning

The learning shouldn’t stop once they graduate. Encourage new hires to take online courses, attend workshops, and read industry-related books. This not only helps them grow but also keeps your business up-to-date with the latest trends and skills.

By implementing these tips, you can help recent graduates become valuable assets for your business. Remember, every seasoned professional was once a fresh graduate. With the right support and opportunities, new hires can bring innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives to your team. So, take a chance on new graduates—they might just become your company’s next great leaders.

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