Get Ready for the Class of 2024: Unlocking the Potential of New Grads

As the academic year draws to a close, it's time for employers to turn their attention to the incoming Class of 2024. Graduating high school in 2020, this cohort of Gen Z talent has navigated unique challenges and experiences that have shaped their outlook on work and life. With graduation season just around the corner, it's key to understand how these young graduates and how to effectively harness their potential.

The Class of 2024 ended high school and started college during a time of unprecedented uncertainty, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting traditional learning environments and social interactions. As a result, many of these students had to adapt quickly to remote learning, virtual events, and fluctuating schedules. Despite these challenges, they have emerged resilient, resourceful, and ready to take on the next chapter of their lives.

So, how can employers spot a great future employee from this resilient group? Make sure you are asking the right questions.

Ask about their experiences in school during the pandemic: Inquire about how they adapted to remote learning, managed their time, and stayed motivated during challenging times. This line of questioning will reveal candidates' ability to thrive in dynamic and unpredictable environments, showcasing their time management skills and ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Sample Questions: Amidst the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic, can you share a specific instance where you faced a significant obstacle? How did you adapt and overcome it? What strategies or resources did you find most effective in managing your time and maintaining motivation during this period?

Assess their resilience: By understanding how candidates have faced adversity and bounced back, you can assess their ability to adapt and thrive in challenging situations. Look for examples of how they maintained composure, problem-solved, and persevered through setbacks, whether it be in their academic pursuits, personal endeavors, or professional experiences. Candidates who demonstrate resilience can weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side.

Sample Questions: Reflecting on your college journey, can you recall a time when you encountered a setback or obstacle that tested your resilience? How did you navigate through it, and what lessons did you learn from the experience that have helped you grow stronger?

Explore their passion projects: Grads from the Class of 2024 are often characterized by their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to side projects. Inquire about any personal or extracurricular projects they have worked on, whether it's starting a blog, launching a small business, or participating in community initiatives. These experiences can provide valuable insights into their creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. You will also better understand candidates' interests, motivations, and their capacity to take initiative outside of academic or professional obligations.

Sample Questions: Tell me about a personal or extracurricular project you pursued during your college years that holds special significance for you. What motivated you to initiate this project, and how did you tackle any obstacles or setbacks along the way? How has this experience influenced your personal and professional development?

Gauge their cultural fit: Ask about their values, interests, and career goals to ensure alignment with your company's mission, vision, and culture. This approach will allow you to determine whether candidates share similar values and goals with your organization, fostering a harmonious and productive work environment.

Sample Questions: What core values have guided you throughout your college experience? Can you provide examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your academic, personal, or professional endeavors? How do you envision contributing to our team's mission and vision based on these values?

The Class of 2024 represents a generation of resilient, resourceful, and digitally savvy individuals who are poised to make a significant impact in the workforce. By recognizing their unique experiences and strengths, employers can unlock the full potential of these recent graduates and drive innovation and growth. So, let's embrace the opportunity to welcome the Class of 2024 into the workforce and empower them to thrive in the years to come.