Age and Employment

Why Hire New Grads and Mature Workers?

In the current job market, two of the hardest-hit demographics are mature workers and new graduates. On opposite ends of the age spectrum, these two groups feel they are outside the “sweet spot” for employment. For those looking to enter the job market for the first time after college, employers plan to hire 22% fewer new graduates this year than last. As tough as that outlook seems, mature workers face an even bleaker employment prospect, according to our latest online poll.

With so much debate about these two age groups and their difficulties in today’s job market, it’s no wonder that age discrimination is a common complaint. That’s why it’s important to understand the variety of issues that come into play regarding age in the workplace.

But considering qualified candidates for employment, regardless of age, is more than just a matter of complying with the law. It’s also smart business. As you look to fill your open positions with star players to help you thrive in today’s economy, don’t underestimate the value of these candidate groups.

New Grads

Today’s typical new graduate is a member of the Millennial generation. Their team-oriented, determined, and hopeful outlook can be an energizing element within the workforce. In addition, this candidate pool offers:  

• Willingness to prove their work ethic. Ready to put their education to the task, new grads are eager to establish their professionalism and build their expertise.

• Agility in salary demands. Many new graduates, aware of the current employment outlook, are making minimal financial commitments so they can afford to take a competitive salary in order to build experience. For example, some move in with parents or family to afford to live on a low entry-level salary.

• Fresh insight in approaching age-old problems. As new members of the workforce, this group of graduates is ready to apply their collaborative, innovative ideas to the workplace, including today’s financial issues. They’re not afraid to be wrong and offer a new perspective to many persistent business challenges.

• Flexibility. As a group, new graduates are open to a variety of work assignment options, such as telecommuting, job sharing and relocating.

• Proven ability to learn new programs and skills. Fresh from the college classroom, these applicants put their tech-savvy generational attributes to the test on a daily basis and are eager to keep learning – after all, they're used to keeping up with fast-paced technological advances.

Mature Workers

Made up mostly of workers from the Baby Boomer generation, the pool of mature workers offers a variety of experience to the workforce. Their optimism, drive, and vision can be an infusion of confidence within the workplace. In addition, this candidate pool offers:

• A proven work ethic. The work ethic of this candidate pool is legendary, and they’re ready and willing to put their competencies to work, whatever it takes.

• Experience at value prices. These hard-working, experienced candidates may be transitioning to a new field, industry, or market. Given today’s job market, they’re more willing than ever to consider a competitive salary.

• Wisdom in handling current business situations. This generation has weathered recessions before, and their wisdom in creating budgets, strategy, and vision can be invaluable.

• Flexibility. Many mature workers are looking for a new challenge, and this openness to change means that many are flexible when it comes to location, work schedules, and job duties.

• Willingness to prove new competencies. This candidate pool may get a bad rap when it comes to technology. But studies show that mature workers are quickly adapting to – and using – new skills and technologies at a growing rate.

When it comes to filling your open positions, now is the time to snag star candidates. After all, people are the greatest asset for any business. By building a confident, competent staff, you can build a competitive, thriving company. So take a careful look at all qualified applicants who come across your desk, no matter what their age or experience level.