Almost 4 in 5 (80%) companies plan to hire full-time employees through the end of 2023, according to new data from a survey by The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. This is up from last year, and it aligns with what job seekers are looking for — 73% want a full-time position.
However, job seekers and employers don’t have the same idea about what those jobs should look like. Most companies are looking to fill entry-level positions (56%), followed by mid-level (46%), individual contributor (28%), and then senior and higher. In contrast, job seekers are applying mostly for mid-level (52%), followed by individual contributor (29%), entry level (28%), and then senior.
At the same time, more older workers are applying for entry-level jobs. Almost three-quarters (71%) of hiring decision-makers report this trend is more pronounced now than it was three years ago. This situation could be to companies’ advantage, as 54% would rather hire an older employee than a younger one.
For companies struggling to hire entry-level workers, Brent Pollington, an Express Employment franchise owner in Vancouver, British Columbia, suggests focusing on communication.
“If you’re facing challenges when it comes to filling full-time entry-level positions, it’s likely because your organization may not be effectively communicating the opportunities these positions offer to job seekers,” said Pollington. “Whether these opportunities lie within your company or serve as a stepping stone to other career paths, it’s crucial to convey this message to the market. To attract and retain exceptional talent and foster growth for both employees and the organization, you must internally develop and provide the necessary tools for job seekers to find growth opportunities within a company and be attracted to entry-level positions.”
