Professionalism

New Hires & Professionalism

For several years, a small college in Pennsylvania has surveyed HR professionals and CEOs on the issue of professionalism. This year’s analysis, conducted by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College, paints an ugly picture.

Despite entering the workforce during the worst recession since the Great Depression, the level of professionalism among recent grads has dropped during the past five years, according to employers from a variety of industries. Almost 45% of respondents said the work habits of their newest employees have worsened.

Even before they are hired, many job candidates do not present well. The survey found that many employers encounter job candidates who appear “arrogant” during job interviews. More than half of respondents indicated their newest employees arrive at the office with an entitlement attitude. That's not a good thing when you're starting work as a new professional.

And then there’s technology. Employers complain that new hires use it inappropriately—they text rather than email or seek face-to-face meetings with colleagues. Half of all respondents complained that their newest employees spend way too much time on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Among the traits managers expect their interns, summer associates and new hires to bring to work are the following: appropriate appearance, punctuality, regular attendance, attentiveness, and sticking with a task through completion. According to the survey, employers decidedly find these traits lacking.

Why the disconnect? I spend loads of time with law school and business school students, all of whom seem intent on success. The report suggests new grads’ performance diverges from managers’ expectations when new employees take their cues from peers and friends rather than more experienced workers.

What Do You Need to Know?

New grads, before you send that text, post some personal information online, or wear a hoody or sundress into work, ask yourself, WWMM (What Would My Manager) do?  

Related Things You Need to Know

Best communication practices during a pandemic

This year’s summer hires you will have fewer opportunities than their predecessors had to interact in person with employers and recruiters. Because of social distancing requirements, you’ll need to maximize every Zoom meeting to which you are invited as well as phone calls and emails. Don’t allow an unforced error to keep you from landing a job offer this fall.

Preparing for Generation Z

It's not too soon to prepare for Generation Z, which will start arriving in workplaces everywhere.

Embrace Anxiety & Put It to Work

Events like job fairs, interviews, and work-related receptions may cause social anxiety, often experienced in the form of heart palpitations, extreme sweating, facial flushing, or a series of other physical reactions. Successful professionals harness social anxiety and put to work.

Learn More

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