As employers look to build out their workforce, many are eager for talent with deep experience and a diverse set of skills. However, job requirements that list a certain number of years in the field automatically disqualify a big pool of potential candidates: recent college graduates.

Employers that think, "Why hire new graduates?" might be buying into stereotypes about younger employees being unmotivated or inexperienced. However, that approach overshadows a number of advantages that hiring recent grads could bring to the organization.

Why hire new graduates?

While HR managers may be tempted by a resume with years of experience over the profile of an applicant just out of college, they should first consider a number of factors:

1. Inexperience can be a plus: Seasoned professionals may be skilled in certain job capabilities, but they’re often set in their ways and not as open to changes. Since recent grads have fresh minds, they’re more adaptable to and accepting of new policies and changes to existing guidelines.

2. Digital Natives: Technology is a necessity for any modern workplace and, while more experienced employees continue to learn and adapt to new tools and digital strategies, new grads are more likely to have digital expertise at their core. They likely grew up in an environment in which technology-fueled their academic experience, social life, and, now, their professional experience.

3. Cost-savings: When employers hire for experience, they also have to pay for the experience; with new graduates, they’re able to offer a lower starting salary, ultimately saving the company money in the long run.

4. A blank slate: In every job, professionals build new skills around their existing habits. Candidates coming right out of college haven’t yet had the experiences to form those behaviors, giving employers the latitude to help them shape their strengths and avoid any pitfalls.

5. Enthusiasm: A first job right out of college is an exciting new venture, and employers can benefit from that enthusiasm. New grads eager to get out into the workforce will likely bring a strong work ethic, bright new ideas, and a willingness to innovate.

So, why hire new graduates? The better question might be, “Why not?” This large pool of candidates may be the perfect fit for your organization.

An experienced staffing agency like Elite Personnel can help you reach a pool of qualified new graduates in Washington, D.C., or Maryland. Contact our team of staffing professionals today.