U.S. hiring managers are on the hunt for full-time talent, and many (79 percent) report a rising tide of older workers vying for entry-level roles compared to three years ago. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.
Additionally, 60 percent of these hiring managers express a preference for hiring older candidates over younger ones for entry-level positions, highlighting a shift in perceptions about experience and maturity.
For the overall U.S. labor market, hiring managers say their sights are set on full-time talent acquisition, encompassing both hourly (55 percent) and salaried (51 percent) employees. Most commonly, companies are looking to hire for entry-level (53 percent, down from 63 percent in late 2022) and mid-level (52 percent, down from 58 percent in late 2022).
Job seekers signal a strong inclination towards full-time employment, with more than 4 in 5 (82 percent) indicating their willingness to accept such positions. The enthusiasm for part-time (33 percent) and contract/freelance (23 percent) roles is notably lower.
The report said that applicants are casting a wide net in their job searches, with a significant portion (46 percent) pursuing mid-level positions. A substantial number are also applying for individual contributor (32 percent), senior-level (30 percent) and entry-level (27 percent) roles, indicating a diverse array of career aspirations.
When it comes to applying for positions, a resounding 83 percent of job seekers believe it’s perfectly acceptable to apply for roles they may be overqualified for, as long as they want it.