Why is "college graduate" permissible in an advertisement, while "recent grad" is not?

The choice highlighting "college graduate" as permissible in an advertisement is grounded in its neutral description of an educational achievement. This term communicates that the candidate possesses a certain level of educational qualification without any implications regarding the candidate's age or stage in life. It conveys the necessary educational background expected for the position.

In contrast, the phrase "recent grad" suggests a specific time frame—indicating that the candidate has graduated within a limited and recent past. This can unintentionally imply a preference for younger candidates, which can be interpreted as age discrimination. Employers are encouraged to provide equal opportunities to all candidates regardless of age, and language that suggests a preference for specific age groups can raise legal and ethical concerns around discriminatory practices. Therefore, using "college graduate" avoids these pitfalls by focusing purely on educational attainment, making it a safer and more inclusive option for job advertisements.