Recruiting new graduates: What success profile are organizations looking for?

Abstract

In today’s competitive business world, even though young adults strive to be employed by well-known corporations, having a degree does not guarantee an employment opportunity. Employers prefer candidates not only with qualifications, but also with a ‘success profile’ comprised of competencies, personal attributes, experience and knowledge that portray a holistic view of success (DDI, 2009). This study aims to shed light on the ‘success profile’ organizations are looking for from new graduates regardless of the positions they are being recruited for. As part of the study, 205 participants (predominantly recruitment professionals) from both multinational and local companies based in Istanbul, took part in an on-line survey. According to the results, the criteria identified in order of importance were; working as part of a team, written communication skills, analysing and gathering information (competencies); knowledge of advanced English, degree course and prestige of university (knowledge); internship experience, taking part in extracurricular activities, volunteer work (experience) and; highly responsible, continuous learner and good communicator (personal attributes). Personal attributes were followed by competencies, knowledge and experience in terms of priority rankings. The findings and their implications will be discussed as to how these criteria can be fostered during educational years and beyond.