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Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.

Wanted: Adaptability and Enthusiasm

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Canadian Companies Conducting More Campus Recruiting Than Five Years Ago

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Does no experience mean no job? Not exactly. A recent Accountemps poll of Canadian CFOs revealed good news for those just entering the workforce. Fifty-three per cent of respondents said their firms are doing more entry-level hiring today than they were five years ago. Among those whose companies are more actively hiring new graduates, adaptability to new technology (36 per cent) and enthusiasm (28 per cent) were most often cited as the reasons.

"Companies are increasingly recognizing that enthusiasm and an open-minded approach to new ideas or technologies, which is common among recent graduates, can permeate departments and fuel overall productivity," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps.

"New skills often inspire fresh perspectives," added Hunnam-Jones. "The most valuable professionals at any level are those who actively seek out opportunities to learn, share insights, and energetically engage with evolving demands for business growth."

CFOs were asked, "Is your firm more or less active in recruiting entry-level candidates from colleges or universities now than it was five years ago?" Their responses:

Significantly more active

17%

Somewhat more active

36%

About the same

47%

Somewhat less active

0%

Significantly less active

0%


100%

 

CFOs were also asked, "Which of the following is the primary reason your firm is more active in recruiting entry-level candidates from colleges or universities?" Their responses:

They adapt to new technology

36%

They bring energy and enthusiasm to their jobs

28%

They bring fresh ideas and an innovative spirit

18%

There are recruiting challenges at more experienced levels

13%

They have lower salary expectations

4%


100%

 

Accountemps offers five tips to help entry-level job-seekers:

  1. Never stop learning. Make an effort to learn the latest technologies. Keep up with trends by reading industry trades and set Google news alerts for topics that interest you. Take courses that appeal to you, even if they're outside your field.
  2. Try a different angle. Look at business challenges from a variety of perspectives – how would your customer see it, or someone from a different work group? This can help you identify new ways of doing things.
  3. Take a break. If you've been trying unsuccessfully to motivate yourself, step away from your desk and get some fresh air or focus your attention elsewhere. You will return to the task with renewed energy.
  4. Mix it up. Purposely stray from your routine; even taking a new route to work or trying out a new lunch spot can provide inspiration.
  5. Collaborate. Two heads are better than one. Bounce ideas and talk through challenges with other team members. 

About the Research

The survey was conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 270 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in Canada.

About Accountemps

Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has more than 325 offices worldwide. More resources, including online job search services, can be found at https://accountemps.ca. Follow us at https://www.roberthalf.ca/blog and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace news and hiring trends.

Contact: Naz Araghian
416.865.2140
naz.araghian@roberthalf.com

SOURCE Accountemps

Image with caption: "New-grads are starting strong. (CNW Group/Accountemps)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160809_C1917_PHOTO_EN_749366.jpg