All You Need To Know To Attract Millennial Candidates To Your Open Jobs
Our world continues to evolve, undergoing paradigm shifts and changing point of views, and that is no exception to the work world. Post-pandemic life has brought on countless changes in the realms of lifestyle, media and, most notably, the work place.
Many individuals shifted to full-time work-from-home positions, while others requested hybrid options. Some people found that their time and energy became more valuable, seeking compensation and benefits that match this value. The list goes on and on, reflecting employers’ need to keep up with candidates’ demands and expectations.
I spent some time reaching out to my fellow millennials to see what it is that they look for when job searching. A lot of the answers were standard and to be expected, while others definitely seemed to stem from moments of crisis and uncertainty that bloomed during the height of the pandemic.
What Do Millennials Care About When Job Searching?
No surprises here but…
Competitive Pay
Full Benefits Packages / Healthcare
Culture / Environment
Paid Time Off (some or unlimited)
Room for Advancement + Growth
Compensation to Match Skill Set / Promotions
And, Post-Pandemic Shifts…
Remote / Hybrid Options
Work/Life Balance
Mental Health / Personal Time Off
Mental Health Days, Mental Health Days, Mental Health Days…
The list started off with normal job search expectations - pay, benefits, culture - and slowly I began to see and hear more answers revolving around mental health awareness. Millennials want more space to deal with stress - professional or personal - without trouble. The work/life balance was a second runner up when job searching, showing us that many millennials do not want to be totally consumed by work demands outside of working hours.
In my own experience, I’ve found myself looking for the same opportunities. I am always first and foremost looking for the Work/Life Balance aspect of a job. Am I going to have the time I need/want to continue doing the things I love? Will I be reprimanded for wanting to take time off for mental health or vacation? What will it mean for my performance if I am going through a personal rough patch?
I am always sure to find work environments that support my own values and expectations, within reason, before even saying yes to an interview. Put up all those perks, including your competitive pay, when posting about an open position!
So let’s get into it, here are the top elements you need to know when trying to attract Millennial candidates to your open jobs.
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1. Flexibility Is Key
Millennials are looking for a balance. A balance between their have-tos and want-tos. I think a majority of us can all agree that having space in life to do the things we want to do versus the things we have to do is an ideal state of being. That’s no different now, if not heightened. Having options for work-from-home or hybrid shifts, flex time off incentives, even something as simple as having a designated space in the office where employees can step away for a moment to destress can make a world of difference in the Millennials world.
PRO TIP: Download our free Developing An Authentic Holistic Well-Being Routine For Career Professionals Workbook to learn how professional are seeking to thrive at home and at work.
2. Feeling Appreciated And Seen At Work
Culture of appreciation and recognition for doing a good job. This doesn’t mean giving out a gold star or ribbon for every small, and expected, accomplishment on the job, but rather having an environment and leaders that are actually watching individuals who are putting in their best work. Check out how coaching for organization can help your organization create a better environment for your employees.
3. Continued Education
Even if it is $100 a year to do a training or buy a piece of technology that helps them do the work- invest in your employees! This will contribute to workplace morale and overall work ethic, plus educating your employees only adds to the workplace knowledge base.
Not sure where to start? Check out LinkedIn Learning!
4. Be Clear With Opportunities For Growth
Create a professional development plan with employees, have check ins and relate their current work with goals, and goals with promotion opportunities. Millennials have a tendency to job hop because they don’t feel they are receiving 1. The acknowledgement for their efforts and 2. Not seeing or getting opportunities to move upwardly in a company. Asking what a candidate’s aspirations are, specific to the company or position at hand, is a first step to showing the Millennial candidate that opportunities for growth exist right off the bat.
5. Pay Still Matters
Listen, at the end of the day, many people are leaving jobs simply because of money. As an organization, do your due diligence and market research to understand how competitive your offers are compared to your competitors because you can guarantee your employees are doing that same thing right now. After a few years of uncertainty, followed by the economic repercussions of a global pandemic, money matters - from the single woman living with her plants and cats to the person trying to start a family and buy a home.
If you’re a job seeker reading this, check out our article on How to Negotiate Your Salary (Tips and Examples).
6. Mental Health Awareness
Finally, this. Mental health has been a forefront issue for many Millennials for quite some time, just to be ignited and recharged by the uncertainties of the pandemic. As a collective, we have all been through unprecedented and strange times, causing a lot of anxiety, stress and worry. From what I gathered, mental health days and mental health awareness in the workplace is super important to the Millennial candidate. There seems to be a need for workplace empathy and an acknowledgement that there are and will be outlying stresses from everyday life, worldly upheaval and so on that many may want to step away from work to manage and deal with. Keep this in mind when talking to your Millennial candidates about workplace perks!
Related:
3 Ways To Determine If An Employer Supports Mental Health At Work
5 Questions Job Seekers Should Ask Employers During Interviews
6 Ways To Advance and Enhance Your Career When Working Remotely
Meet The Writer!
Hola! Samantha here! My passion for writing stemmed at a young age, from personal journal entries to poetry to short stories. I love all things writing - and creative expression just in general! I majored in Organizational & Corporate Communication with a minor in Multicultural Marketing from The University of Texas at El Paso. During my time in college, I had an opinion piece published in a local e-magazine, Borderzine, and contributed a chapter on borderland business in 100 Answers & Questions: Borderland. Along with my relationship to words, I am a yoga teacher and yoga retreat business owner - where I manage all social media, newsletters, website & general communication. When I’m not being active (yoga, hiking, biking, dancing, etc) I am internationally traveling, eating/cooking (big foodie) or spending time with my loved ones. My ultimate goal is to share my passions with others through curated experiences, conscious communication & creative outlets. You can find my personal blog here & yoga info here.
I also share my writings & adventures via Instagram or you can connect with me professionally via LinkedIn. However you find me, let’s connect, collab & create a better world today.
