How HR Teams Can Recruit The Best Millennial Talent

The New Workforce

Today’s workforce has distinct and defining characteristics that are changing the way human resources manages everything from hiring to company morale. Millennials, employees between the ages of 18-34, have taken their place in the workforce.  More than 1 out of 3 workers today is from the millennial generation, and the human resource teams that understand the fundamental changes millennials bring will be best setup for success. For millennials, it’s not all about the money. Company culture, meaningful work, and life/work balance are what they’re striving for. Here are some of the unique qualities millennials want, and how you can best locate millennial talent:

Company Culture

Company culture is a factor important to millennials- from the ethics of a company to interactions, behaviors and attitudes. Company culture does not derive from the employees themselves, rather the company sets, promotes and encourages a certain standard of attitudes and behaviors. Company culture does not appear out of thin air, but takes work, effort, and some trial and error. The human resources team is instrumental in articulating and protecting company culture.

Meaning

Millennials are seeking out work with a purpose and work that will have a positive influence on the world around us. This can take the form of companies who are environmentally conscious- taking efforts to reduce waste and promote a lighter footprint. Other companies take on social responsibilities– being involved in local communities through various initiatives and practices. Millennials  need to know their work will help serve a higher purpose, so when recruiting millennials, be sure to highlight all the good your company does. The HR team can seek out new opportunities to promote a positive and meaningful workplace, that will surely attract emerging young talent.

Time Management

We’re living in an unprecedented age when a global economy and a global workforce changes the “rules” of traditional working structures. Because of online technologies, the best talent for the position may be located across an ocean, and it’s no longer a challenge to accommodate remote workers. Additionally, millennials value a strong work/life balance that promotes a healthier state of being and thus better quality of work. The human resources team in any given company can be creative here and encourage perks like summer Fridays, fair policies revolving around vacation and other perks like bagel Mondays, gym memberships, and happy hours. Millennials often see work in a more holistic approach- taking care of the body and mind will produce better work.

Recruiting The Elusive Millennial

Recruiting millennials is a niche in and of itself. You need a knowledge recruiter or headhunter who understands millennial values and can effectively communicate those values between talent and the company. Recruiters and headhunters have a well established online network of relationships and contacts, and have experience using social networks to their full advantage to pinpoint exactly the right talent with the best qualifications for the position. New free online tools like Recruiters LineUp, allow you to locate the right headhunter or recruiter via industry, niche or location.

Toast image: Millennial Pink, The Cut