Pandemic sparks change in what employers seek in new college grads

As college students head back to campus this fall—or maybe prepare for an online-only semester—they are likely looking ahead to graduation and life after college. Employers also are looking ahead and wondering what these students will bring to the workplace as they launch their careers. Employers have long valued employees who can hit the ground running, but the COVID-19 pandemic has refined many employers' ideas about what they're looking for in new college grads.

Most highly sought qualities

PeopleScout, a recruitment process outsourcing company, released results of a survey in April showing the pandemic has affected what employers look for in job candidates. In fact, 71% of the hiring managers responding to the survey said the pandemic has had an impact.

And what are employers looking for in candidates? The overwhelming majority of the hiring managers responding to the survey (94%) said they want candidates capable of working independently. Also, 68% of the hiring managers said they have a hard time finding qualified candidates.

The survey found that the most important qualities sought, in order of importance, are:

• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to handle stress;
• Flexibility;
• Communication; and
• Ability to be self-guided.

Virtual and internal hiring