Hiring Trends for 20s: Companies Prioritize Experience in Screening and Personality in Interviews [Gakujo Survey]

Hiring Trends for 20s: Companies Prioritize Experience in Screening and Personality in Interviews [Gakujo Survey]

Gakujo Co., Ltd. (HQ: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) conducted an online survey targeting HR managers at companies and organizations regarding evaluation criteria for mid-career hiring of individuals in their 20s, including experienced workers and recent graduates.

When asked what aspects they prioritize during document screening or when sending scout emails, 'job content' (78.4%) and 'job/industry experience' (69.6%) emerged as the top two factors, significantly outranking 'reason for changing jobs' or 'motivation for application.' In contrast, 'communication skills' (75.2%) and 'personality/cultural fit' (67.6%) were the top two factors during interviews, ranking higher than 'work achievements' or 'experience.'

This indicates that many companies first verify experience in areas like job type and industry during document screening, and then make hiring decisions based on basic communication skills, personality, and fit with the company culture during subsequent interviews. It appears common to set different criteria for each stage to select candidates who fit the company from among those with a certain level of experience.

Survey Background Amidst intensifying competition for talent in new graduate recruitment, more companies are strengthening mid-career hiring targeting those in their 20s. Professionals in their 20s are increasingly sought after as they offer a combination of experience and potential. This survey was conducted to understand the evaluation points at each selection stage.

(1) Job Experience Tops Document Screening When asked about evaluation criteria for document screening or scouting, 'job content' (78.4%) was the most common, followed by 'job/industry experience' (69.6%). Most companies selected these two. Other factors like 'reason for changing jobs' (46.8%), 'number of job changes' (45.6%), and 'motivation for application' (41.6%) followed, but all were cited by less than half of the respondents. At the screening stage, companies prioritize past experience over intent to apply.

(2) Personality Tops Interviews During interviews, 'communication skills' (75.2%) was the most cited evaluation point, followed by 'personality/cultural fit' (67.6%). These two surpassed 'work attitude' (65.2%) and 'work experience/achievements' (64.8%), highlighting a strong trend of prioritizing personality during the decision-making stage of interviews, unlike in the screening stage.

Survey Overview - Period: March 16, 2026 – April 10, 2026 - Institution: Gakujo Co., Ltd. - Target: HR managers at companies and organizations - Valid responses: 295 - Method: Web-based questionnaire

About Gakujo A company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and a member of Keidanren. Since 2004, it has promoted year-round hiring for those in their 20s. It operates 'Re-Shukatsu,' a job site for 20-somethings with 2.8 million members, as well as 'Re-Shukatsu 30' and 'Re-Shukatsu Campus,' supporting total recruitment for 20s and 30s.