Millennials—those born from the early 1980s to the late 1990s—are the fastest growing generation to occupy the workforce. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 1 in 3 workers are young adults ages 18-34, and by 2020, half of all employees will be Millennials. With numbers like that, it’s easy to see the impact this generation will have on your company’s future growth. Beyond just growing your employee pool, hiring Millennials can add fresh perspectives and ideas to energize your business. So how can you snag these creative go-getters?
Know What They Want
The days of selling a candidate on your benefits like insurance and retirement funds are over. Millennials care much more about advancement opportunities, professional development, and—you guessed it—pay. Salary is a key component to most job-seekers, and this generation is no exception. Communicate clearly about pay during the recruitment process to keep candidates more interested. Young workers are also looking for a clear path to promotions and appreciate defined goals for advancement. They want a company that will invest in them as professionals, including mentors and leadership training.
While salary is important, young people also value less traditional benefits. According to a Deloitte survey, 3 out of 4 Millennials want to be offered the chance to work off-site. They are all about a customized lifestyle with flexible work schedules and a strong work/life balance.
Update Your Communications
Today’s young employees are the most tech-savvy working generation to date, relying heavily on mobile devices. Your website and application process must be mobile-friendly to engage Millennials. Not only do you want to make it as simple as possible for them to reach you, but it’s also important to demonstrate clearly that your business values and invests in technology. Easy-to-use mobile platforms are a must, and job searches and application submissions should be quick and painless.
Growing up in this world of real time messaging, Millennials expect timely communication. Once an application or resume is submitted, a rapid response detailing when they can expect to hear back offers great assurance. Text messages are not considered too personal with this generation as phone calls are seen as old-school. But also keep in mind Millennials value personalized communication, so steer clear of scripted emails and texts or cold autoreplies.
Maximize Social Media
Connecting with potential Millennial talent on social media can be a powerful tool in your recruiting arsenal. For one thing, most young workers today are always on the lookout for that next job opportunity; in fact 2 out of 3 Millennials are ready to leave their current job for greener grass according to the Deloitte survey. Facebook and LinkedIn are great platforms for not just posting jobs online, but also for sending personalized messages to possible candidates. Young people respond well to unique communications directed specifically to them and their talents.
Most Millennials also check out potential employers by visiting their social media pages. A strong online presence is vital to showing them just exactly who you are and what your company is all about. Young workers today want your company’s mission and culture to align with their values, and they look for clues through the photos and messages you share on social media. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to tell a story about your business. Consider posting items like pictures of your employees having fun, special company events, volunteering opportunities, and more.
There’s no denying Millennials and technology have forever changed the recruiting landscape. With a little insight into this thriving generation, you can attract fresh, enthusiastic talent into your company. At That’s Good HR, we’re experts at connecting with potential candidates across all generations. We’re here to answer your questions. Contact us today.
