A recent poll from Accountemps reveals a newfound penchant for entry-level hiring, bringing more opportunity to students and recent graduates.

“Companies are increasingly recognizing that enthusiasm and an open-minded approach to new ideas or technologies, which is common among recent graduates, can permeate departments and fuel overall productivity,” said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps.

Seventeen per cent of CFOs indicated that they were “significantly more active” in recruiting entry-level candidates, with 36 per cent claiming to be “somewhat more active”. The remaining 47 per cent maintained their past recruiting habits.

Notably, zero per cent claim to be less active when it comes to hiring inexperienced students.

New-grads are starting strong. (CNW Group/Accountemps)
New-grads are starting strong. (CNW Group/Accountemps)

When asked about the reason driving entry-level recruitment, CFOs offered varying responses.

They adapt to new technology: 6%

They bring energy and enthusiasm to their jobs: 28%

They bring fresh ideas and an innovative spirit: 8%

There are recruiting challenges at more experienced levels: 13%

They have lower salary expectations: 4%

It seems that adaptability and enthusiasm are the new drivers for professional success.

“New skills often inspire fresh perspectives,” said Hunnam-Jones. “The most valuable professionals at any level are those who actively seek out opportunities to learn, share insights, and energetically engage with evolving demands for business growth.”

Inexperience can be an asset because it provides opportunity for novel outlooks and ideas. In order to maximize on this innovation, Accountemps has listed five strategies:

  1. Never stop learning.Make an effort to learn the latest technologies. Keep up with trends by reading industry trades and set Google news alerts for topics that interest you. Take courses that appeal to you, even if they’re outside your field.

  2. Try a different angle.Look at business challenges from a variety of perspectives – how would your customer see it, or someone from a different work group? This can help you identify new ways of doing things.

  3. Take a break.If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to motivate yourself, step away from your desk and get some fresh air or focus your attention elsewhere. You will return to the task with renewed energy.

  4. Mix it up.Purposely stray from your routine; even taking a new route to work or trying out a new lunch spot can provide inspiration.

  5. Two heads are better than one. Bounce ideas and talk through challenges with other team members.