Considering that Millennials make up the largest percentage of the workforce, it's likely you will be hiring one. If not now, in the near future.
Understanding what makes a Millennial happy in the workplace gives you clues about the best way to recruit one.
5 Ways To Immediately Attract and Recruit Millennials
1. Don't conduct a phone interview. Conduct a FaceTime or Skype interview
The line between online and offline is very blurred for Millennials.
The younger Millennials tend not to 'talk' on their mobile device. They FaceTime or use video and text. Mobile is a way of life.
For older generations, it's a utility. If you communicate the way a Millennial is used to, you'll get a better understanding of who they are early in the recruitment and interview process.
2. Highlight your community service
Millennials prefer to work for a company that supports a cause over one that doesn't. Take it up a notch and allow them to support their own cause, compliments of the workplace.
3. Pay attention to your online brand
Millennials rely on and use social media as a way of life, so they are likely to look you up online before they decide to submit a resume.
- Does your LinkedIn profile highlight what it's like to work for you?
- Do you have former or current employees raving about you as a manager?
You should.
4. Share a succession plan
Not all Millennials who are talented in sales are motivated by money, but they are almost always motivated by growth opportunities.
Share early in the recruitment process how they can grow and develop beyond a bonus or commission check.
5. Adapt to a work-style other than your own
The common assumptions that Millennials are lazy or feel entitled are stereotypes. If you're not a Millennial, you likely question numbers 1 through 4 above, and that's okay.
It's not how other generations have gotten hired in the past—it's not what non-Millennials are used to. But if you want to earn the loyalty of a Millennial, you must respect the generational differences and trust in their talents to get the job done.
As more time passes, more Millennials will be playing key roles in your company. You need to create a strategy now to make sure you're attracting the best talent out there.
*Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in 2017 and has since been updated.
