Tips for hiring entry-level employees

Hiring entry-level employees is a difficult yet unavoidable task for many employers.

Entry-level employees are often essential to fill junior positions in a business and can provide businesses with an opportunity to grow. However, hiring a person with lack of experience and professional referees can often be quite challenging. Here are three tips to consider when assessing entry-level candidates:

Create a clear picture
When creating a job description, it is important to have a clear image of an ideal candidate. Think of specific strengths, skills and traits the applicant must possess. Creating a profile for the ideal applicant not only helps you in the selection process but it also helps to prevent unsuitable or overqualified applicants from applying for the role.

Evaluate involvement outside education
Generally, entry-level candidates do not have a lot of prior professional experience within an industry and are often limited to university education. This lack of real-world experience means employers must find new ways of assessing compatibility. Instead of focusing on marks alone, look at a candidate’s extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership roles, awards and internships.

Think long-term
Entry-level candidates can turn into long-term employees if they are given the chance to develop their career. Ask applicants about their long-term career goals and explain ways in which they can achieve these goals through your business. Use examples of other staff members who have advanced their career through your business and make every effort to train employees to demonstrate your commitment to career advancement.