As the graduation season draws near, Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) has released a new report highlighting five trends that the class of 2023 should note when launching their careers.

Here are the trends:

Multiple interviews. Employers typically conduct four interviews with an entry-level candidate before extending an offer. But the process moves fairly quickly, with companies taking five weeks on average to make a hire.

Soft skills. One in five managers attributes their hiring mistakes to placing too much weight on technical skills. To avoid making the same misstep, employers are asking situational questions to learn more about a candidate’s traits and interpersonal abilities, such as self-motivation and collaboration, which are especially critical in hybrid and remote work environments.

Preparation and follow-through. Beyond skills, managers said several actions can tip the scales in an applicant's favor. These actions include researching the company (67%), maintaining a respectable online presence (51%), and sending a thank-you note after an interview (49%).

In-office time. While remote work gained prominence during the pandemic, less than 29% of entry-level jobs are advertised as hybrid or fully remote. However, off-site opportunities are more common for technology, finance and accounting positions.

Hiring bright spots. College graduates can increase their chances of finding work by exploring roles and industries with the most jobs available.

“While there are plenty of opportunities for the class of 2023, upcoming graduates should prepare for a rigorous hiring process,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half.

The online survey includes responses from 2,175 US hiring managers and a propriety analysis of nearly 2 million entry-level job postings requiring a college degree and 0-2 years of experience on more than 1,000 independent job boards and company websites across the US in 2022.