Although the term “millennial” is in vogue, there are still many misconceptions around it.
Some people from older generations claim that millennials are hard to understand while others accuse them of being vain or self-centered. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Millennial” refers to individuals born between the early 1980’s and the mid 1990’s who consequently reached adulthood in the early 21st century.
Millennials might appear complicated to some people, but with the right guidelines in mind it’s easy to understand what makes them tick. And also, perhaps more important, it can be easy to figure out how to hire them and retain them so they can grow with your company.
Be Transparent
Millennials value honesty, so it’s important that your hiring process reflects this trait. Be clear about timeframes, pay and expectations. Make sure to be consistent and follow up when necessary. If you make a positive impression from the get-go, you’ll earn their trust and their respect.
Authenticity goes a long way with millennials. They can tell if you are sincere and they won’t hesitate to call you out on your inconsistencies, if they spot any.
Get Social
In order to hire millennials, you must meet them where they are. Take advantage of social media to attract candidates, and modify your communication policies accordingly. Millennials value responses that are prompt, but also personalized. Also, keep in mind that they lead a life centered around mobile devices, so it’s advisable to pay special attention to this type of media.
Offer Mentoring Opportunities
Contrary to what some may believe, millennials are not a cynical generation trying to get by exerting little effort. As a matter of fact, they welcome mentoring as a path to professional development. The catch is that they can be skeptical and it might be hard to earn their respect. Adopt a nurturing and honest approach and you’ll get off to a good start with your potential millennial employees.
Offer a Clear Career Path
From a professional standpoint, few things are more attractive for a millennial candidate than a clear career path within your company. Be honest from the beginning when you explain your promotion process. A company that promotes employees frequently and on the basis of their merits has an advantage when it comes to attracting millenial candidates. Clear defined goals and values that are enforced in a fair manner are the way to go.
