Employers are increasingly leveraging AI to optimise recruitment processes. According to the Institute of Student Employers, the use of AI in recruitment rose from 9% in 2022 to 28% in 2023. AI applications, including CV screening, candidate engagement, and predictive analytics, are enhancing efficiency and precision in identifying top talent. For example, AI-driven tools can reduce hiring timelines by up to 40% while increasing the accuracy of candidate selection by 25%.
Skills-based hiring is gaining traction, with organisations prioritising competencies over academic qualifications. Research by McKinsey suggests that skills-based hiring is five times more predictive of success than educational credentials alone. This approach broadens talent pools and ensures a closer alignment between candidate capabilities and job requirements.
Organisations are adopting innovative tools, such as gamified assessments and virtual challenges, to evaluate skills in real-time. These methods also provide graduates with a preview of company culture and job expectations.
It is important to build a hiring and selection framework based on skills and behaviours rather than experience gained. Remember, skills can be taught and with the right set of behaviours the attitude and aptitude for success is a better indicator of future performance.
Flexibility in the workplace is now a decisive factor for graduates. A 2024 survey indicated that 76% of employers have adopted hybrid working models, allowing employees to split time between home and the office. Flexible work arrangements are no longer a perk but an expectation, with candidates seeking roles that offer a balance between professional and personal life.
Early career populations need support in how to navigate the blurred lines of a WFH and an office-based culture. Remember, they often do not have the reference points of “before Covid” to compare to in a working world. Be patient, be clear and listen to concerns.
In 2024, 45% of HR professionals reported prioritising diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategies. Organisations that actively demonstrate inclusivity in their hiring practices are better positioned to attract graduates who value equitable workplaces. This trend goes beyond representation to foster cultures where all employees feel empowered to contribute.
Prospective candidates will look at the policies, and activities of a company around EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) even if it does not impact them directly to get a sense of the sort of organisation they are joining.
Employer branding has become a key differentiator in attracting top graduates. Candidates scrutinise employer value propositions (EVPs) more closely, prioritising transparency, ethical practices, and alignment with their values. Research shows that companies with strong EVPs experience 50% higher retention rates among new hires.
Remember, your employer brand extends beyond your website. It is visible in your people’s social media posts and in the experience a candidate has through the selection process.
Virtual hiring tools, including video interviews and online assessment platforms, are now standard. Tools like Talenscio, the virtual assessment centre platform and McKinsey’s Solve—a psychometric assessment game—highlight how technology can engage candidates while delivering meaningful insights into their abilities.
However, organisations must balance digital efficiency with a personal touch to maintain engagement and authenticity.
The graduate job market is more competitive than ever, with applications per role rising by 59% in 2024. AI-driven application processes enable graduates to apply to multiple roles quickly, intensifying the competition. Employers must refine their selection criteria and streamline processes to identify top talent efficiently.
Navigating the complexities of graduate recruitment in a rapidly evolving landscape requires strategic expertise. At Discovery, we deliver solutions completely tailored to your business and situation. Whether you are recruiting 1 or 100 we offer fully managed campaigns with 12-month guarantees to cost-effective Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions ensuring you attract the right people, with the right skills and behaviours who will drive your business forwards.
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Partner with Discovery today to future-proof your talent pipeline and secure the graduates who will drive your organisation’s success.
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