Ask the Experts: What concerns do small businesses have when it comes to hiring candidates with zero to three years of experience?

First Answer:

One of my first internships was with a small business that was having trouble due to the 2008 economy. In my second week, they sadly had to layoff a member of their team, and the director sat me down to discuss the reasoning and decision process.

In that conversation, he noted, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” His point was that a small company can’t afford specialists in all they do but wants someone who is adaptable, versatile in their skills, and willing to take on tasks they may not be experienced in.

This will allow them to do a lot more with less staff and still succeed, and ensuring you as a candidate can take on this challenge is a big concern for a small company. 

— Jillian Low, Director of University Partnerships for CRCC Asia

Second Answer:

Small businesses do have concerns about hiring entry-level candidates in the COVID-19 era. Specifically, owners are worried that candidates will not have enough experience to quickly pivot into various roles as the constantly evolving nature of today’s businesses requires.

They are also wary of newer workers’ general reliability at a time when owners depend on their employees more than ever, and may also be hesitant to bring younger workers in who may not be as careful about COVID-related safety measures.

— Alexandra Levit, author of They Don’t Teach Corporate in College.