Employers increasing experience requirements for entry-level roles
Despite a projected rise in entry-level hiring, 63 percent of hiring managers now require at least one year of experience for these positions.
A survey conducted by Benedictine University highlights a growing disconnect between job postings and employer expectations. While businesses prepare to increase hiring for entry-level roles over the next two years, the requirements for these positions have tightened, with nearly 40 percent of hiring managers stating that expectations are higher today than they were five years ago.
This shift creates a persistent barrier for early-career applicants. Employers increasingly demand specialized skills and prior workplace experience even for roles traditionally intended for beginners. Paradoxically, this demand persists even as artificial intelligence tools take over the very repetitive, administrative tasks—such as report writing and documentation—that once served as the primary entry point for new employees.
Industry experts note that the term "entry-level" has effectively drifted from its original meaning. While some hiring managers suggest that AI-driven automation could eventually lower the barrier to entry by removing the need for routine labor, current data shows that companies remain focused on hiring candidates who can contribute immediately, prioritizing efficiency over traditional on-the-job training.