1.
new graduate, fresh graduate
A person who has just graduated or is about to graduate from a school or university. In Japan, this term is closely tied to the annual mass-hiring system where companies recruit students before graduation.
新卒で入社した。
I joined the company as a new graduate.
新卒採用の面接が始まった。
Interviews for new graduate recruitment have begun.
新卒の就職活動は大学三年の後半から始まることが多い。
Job hunting for new graduates often starts in the second half of the third year of university.
USAGE:
A key term in Japanese employment culture. Japan's 新卒一括採用 (mass hiring of new graduates) system means most large companies hire graduates simultaneously each April. Missing this window can significantly impact career prospects. Often used as a modifier: 新卒 + noun.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 新卒採用: new graduate recruitment
- 新卒一括採用: mass hiring of new graduates
- 新卒で入社する: to join a company as a new graduate
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 既卒: previous graduate (someone who graduated but did not find employment immediately)
- 中途採用: mid-career hiring