4 Steps to Overcoming the Challenge of Hiring

Millennials – or “Generation Y” – includes anyone born between 1980 and 2000.  Whether you like it or not, this generation is becoming a vital part of the workforce.

This generation, more than any before, is connected.  They have access to a wealth of information and other people that makes it easy for them be in control of where of they want to work and make the best decision for them.

So how do you overcome the challenges they present and start hiring millennials that you need for your company?

#1 Know Why They Are Challenging To Hire

Remember how I said this generation is connected?  This means that they:

• Know their talents are in high demand because they have access to a variety of sources to see what jobs are available across the country.
• They know what they’re worth.  Most of those jobs will list requirements and average pay scale, so they can easily figure out what they should be paid.
• They have access to know what the job benefits are – which is much more than just Health and Vacation.  This includes advancement opportunities, and what the day-to-day life at the company is like.  They get this information through online reviews and talking with current or former employees on social media channels.
• This generation is used to having information readily accessible.  They aren’t used to having to wait long to find out answers to questions or to hear back from a company when they are applying for a job.

All of that means that millennials have forced a power shift in the hiring process.  Instead of employers holding all the cards, and applicants being forced to deal with whatever the company wanted during the process – millennials have all the information and tools they need to be able to just move on to the next company with a similar position open if they don’t like it.  Which could result in you losing a really good employee to a competitor.

#2 Control the Narrative

While millennials are looking up information about your company, it’s vital that they find at least some of that information directly from you.

What that means for you is that you need to place a greater importance in your company’s online image.  This includes your website as well as any social media channels your company is interacting on.

It’s important that you are able to be found in these circles, and that the information you present is accurate and enticing.  This will have a dual benefit of making you more desirable to customers as well.

Millennials tend to want to feel more like they are a part of something good – and seeing you attract and interact with your customers will make them want to be a part of it.

#3 Show Your Company Culture

Company culture is more important to this generation than salary in most cases.  They want to enjoy their job, and know that their employer will value not only their skills – but their specific talents as an individual.

So use your social media networks to give a “behind the scenes” glance at what your company is like and how much your employees enjoy being there.  If you have company outings, or casual days, or let them dress up on Halloween, or any other way you allow their personalities to shine – highlight that online.

Customers like connecting with people instead of brands too – so your customers will enjoy these posts as much as future employees will.

#4 Be Respectful of Recruits That Don’t Get Hired

Just because they don’t make the cut doesn’t mean you should dismiss an applicant.  Millennials are connected – and that includes to each other as well.

Even though one wasn’t a good fit – if you treat them well, then they will be likely to act as a recruiter for you and send other people they know to you to apply that might be fantastic candidates.

So make sure you have a pleasant hiring and disqualification process in place as well.