You know you don’t know how to hire a millennial if …
The thought of a millennial coming into your office for a job interview makes you want to yell “Get off my lawn, whipper-snapper!”
The computer on your desk came off the assembly line before they did.
You don’t know what a millennial is.
If any of those sounded a little too familiar, you might be too far behind the times to attract a millennial.
Millennials are today’s work force and tomorrow’s leaders. They’re also completely misunderstood, especially among hiring managers. To help clear up some of the confusion, we offer our guide to hiring a millennial.
EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
Technology is in their blood. They’ve never known a life without the Internet or a handy smartphone to access it on. Millennials want to work for high-tech companies — or at least companies that aren’t using iMac G3s for anything other than a fish tank.
This doesn’t mean you have to have the latest and greatest or you’ll never get a millennial in the door, but it does mean that you should embrace new technology. That means you’re willing and actively investing in your company’s technology. It also means you’re receptive to new ways of doing things.
BE FLEXIBLE
Working 9 to 5 ain’t a way to make a livin’. It was true when Dolly Parton sang it in 1980, and it’s still true today. In today’s business world, there’s no need to be trapped in the office all day. Use the technology you embraced in Step 1 and allow your employees the flexibility to do their jobs in a nontraditional fashion.
You should also understand and actively acknowledge your employees have lives and encourage them to find good balance between work and home. Also, make work time as enjoyable as possible. Generation X isn’t about being rats in a corporate cage that stifles their creativity. Make your office a fun environment to work and grow in. Even if you’re not looking to hire a millennial, it’s a good idea to be aware of your corporate culture and the effect it has on your employees.
WANT TO HIRE A MILLENNIAL
That may sound trite, but it’s true. Millennials have gotten a bit of a bad rap. A recent study found 68 percent think millennials are less motivated. Forty percent said they’re less engaged. These numbers make it clear the generation is misunderstood. Millennials are looking for work environments that will foster their careers and provide mentoring opportunities. If you’re anti-millennial, or at the very least not pro-millennial, it’ll be clear to the applicants this isn’t a place where they’ll find the supportive environment they seek.
If you’re not sold on millennials and need help with this third step, take a look at the benefits of hiring one. They’re tech-savvy, on top of new trends (or might even be making the trends themselves), and they’re eager to learn. They can also bring a fresh perspective to your company and help attract a younger customer base.
A FINAL THOUGHT
So there you have it, how to attract the best and brightest new grads. Not that you know what millennials are looking for, you’ll be more likely to snag one up before the competition does.
Thanks for reading,
