Completing a college degree is an achievement worth celebrating, as a degree opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. However, some college graduates are not prepared for their first jobs, as evidenced by their behavior in the workplace. When managers report such behavior to human resources, it becomes your responsibility to solve the problem. There are several things human resources professionals can do to help college graduates acclimate to the working world.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently released survey results regarding recent graduates and job placement. Among other stats, SHRM reports that 49% of employers view recent graduates as lacking in English and grammar skills, and 18% of employers see them lacking in mathematics. 62% of respondents also indicated that recent graduates are at a disadvantage due to the heightened competition for jobs, and 53% noted that college graduates are more likely to apply for jobs for which they are unqualified. Recent graduates have advantages if applying to companies trying to fill entry-level jobs, when tech-savvy workers are needed, when networking through their college services, and when coming from top colleges.
Orientation is the first opportunity you have to introduce recent college graduates to the realities of the working world. You might assume that things like showing up on time and dressing professionally do not need to be discussed, but they do. If your company has a dress code, give examples of appropriate and inappropriate clothing so that there is no confusion. The first few minutes of an orientation session are the most important, so use them to your advantage. Explain what is expected of new college graduates up front, or you run the risk of losing their attention.
College graduates starting their first jobs seem to struggle with etiquette issues, especially those related to the use of technology in the workplace. Consider creating an employee training program to address common problems. This program should include information about the appropriate use of email, text messaging, instant messaging, and company computer equipment. You may need to remind recent college graduates to avoid unprofessional text abbreviations or tell them to turn their cell phones off during office hours.
If managers have problems with specific employees, it is up to human resources to provide coaching and corrective action. When coaching a new employee, don't assume that the employee knows what professional behavior is. You may have to teach recent college graduates the ins and outs of professionalism in the workplace. Work with the employee's manager to create a performance improvement plan based on your concerns.
Recent college graduates may have enthusiasm for their new jobs and some desirable skills, but it is up to you to help them adjust to the working world. Use employee orientation sessions, coaching, and performance improvement plans to help college graduates get up to speed on how they should behave in a professional work environment.
(Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / freedigitalphotos.net)
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