Whether or not employers embrace this fact, demographics are changing in favour of the younger generation. To put this observation into perspective, it has been shown that Millennials will comprise no less than 46 per cent of the workforce by the year 2020. In order to properly capitalise upon this movement, recruiting and interviewing strategies may have to be slightly adjusted. What do human resource professionals have to say and what are some of the most important approaches to adopt?
All About the Details
Millennials will perform a good deal of research. Gone are the days when an interviewee would enter into an office knowing little more than the job advertisement that was posted in a local newspaper. The younger generation tends to amass details based upon social media presence and what others on the Internet have to say. This is why the recruiter needs to be prepared to answer detailed questions; particularly those revolving around pay grades and talents required for a specific position.
Millennials Believe That They Know What They are Worth
This point overlaps with the last section. As they would have performed a significant amount of research, they will often feel as if they can dictate their salary based upon preconceived notions and expectations. The main issue is that if these expectations are not meant, a skilled worker could potentially look elsewhere. One way to avoid this situation is to offer other tangible benefits such as a flexible schedule or a graduated commission scheme.
The Importance of Stressing Benefits Over Salary Alone
Previous generations had associated fringe benefits with retirement packages and holidays alone. Millennials view this concept much differently. They understand that their skills are in high demand. They feel that they may be able to leverage this situation in their favour. The recruiter should keep this in mind, as a competitive salary might not be enough in order to whet their appetite. Benefit packages are now extremely important and millennials feel that they are also the hallmarks of a trustworthy firm.
A handful of issues that should be stressed include:
- The potential of flexible working days.
- The possibility of working from home (if applicable).
- A work-life balance.
- Comprehensive health plans.
These are likely to strike a positive chord with any interviewee.
Fast and Thorough
Older generations are accustomed to interviews taking a great deal of time or waiting on line to be seen by the recruiter. This observation is no longer valid in regards to millennials. They move at a fast pace and expect the interview process to reflect this same speed. As it is likely that they have already performed a significant amount of research, introductions should be kept to a minimum. “Getting down to the brass tacks” will show the potential applicant that the company is modern and efficient.
These are some of the most effective strategies to keep in mind when interviewing Millennials. As this workforce will continue to expand, such approaches are necessary to stay ahead of the competitive curve. Check out the HIJOBS job board to view typical employment positions as well as to link to other portions of this site which will provide valuable recruitment-related advice.
