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Survey reveals what early career workers need to succeed
Career Planning / Job Search
New research from Robert Half Canada reveals what today’s professionals say matters most for early career success. According to a survey of 1,005 experienced workers, 40 per cent say candidates should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of AI tools when applying to roles. At the same time, 36 per cent of respondents caution against using AI to overstate skills or experience.
Youth unemployment has been a major barrier on the Canadian Prairies. According to Statistics Canada, in March 2026 the unemployment rate for young men (15-24) in Saskatchewan was 10.0 per cent and for young women 9.6 per cent. This compares with the unemployment rate for core age adults (25-54), where the unemployment rate was 3.8 per cent.
In Manitoba, unemployment for youth was quite a bit higher at 12.0% for young men and 11.0% for young women vs. just 3.8% for core-age men and 5.3% for core-age women.
Young workers on both provinces need to better understand the expectations of employers and ways in which work is changing.
Survey respondents point to foundational workplace behaviours as key areas where new professionals require the most guidance, including:
- Time management and punctuality (71%)
- Communication and responsiveness (51%)
- Effective meeting participation (49%)
- Reviewing and refining AI-generated work for accuracy (31%)
“AI skills are quickly becoming table stakes in today’s workforce,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director, Robert Half, Canada. “What truly sets early career professionals apart, however, is their ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and take ownership of outcomes.”
A first professional role can set the foundation for long-term success, and according to Robert Half survey respondents:
- 80 per cent recommend evaluating opportunities based on long-term potential
- 68 per cent advise being open to in-office work to accelerate learning and relationship-building
“No one expects someone starting out to have all the answers on day one,” Vasilopoulos added. “What makes a difference is showing genuine curiosity, understanding professionalism, and being intentional about building skills and relationships over time.”
According to Robert Half, employers aren’t necessarily expecting deep technical expertise. Instead, the organization states that workers should demonstrate familiarity with AI tools — particularly the ability to review AI-generated content, recognize its limitations and take responsibility for the final product.
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