Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Hiring Generation Y (The Millennials)

With the Baby Boomer generation making its way into retirement, employers are starting to focus on how to recruit and hire the newest generation entering the work force. The next generation includes people born in the early 80s through the late 90s, and almost doubles the size of its predecessor. "Generation Y" has many stereotypes and nicknames given to it - including "The Digital Generation", "The Millennials", and last but not least, "The Entitlement Generation". Although this generation may have already earned a reputation, they show great potential of efficiency and a desire to change and enhance the current work force.

So how should employers go about hiring and training this fickle group of employees? The most apparent and common answer includes using social media and interactive career website pages that do more than list a job title and its responsibilities. Millennials are used to connecting via a service such as Linked-In or Facebook before actually meeting in person, and would rather watch a video of daily work life inside of your business instead of reading a job description. If possible, offer flexibility when describing potential hours and schedules. Finally, advertise a culture of recognition to prospective hires. Generation Y was raised with constant recognition and although it may seem difficult for employers, that same type of recognition will motivate and retain the most talented Generation Y employees.

Dr. Randall S. Hansen (founder of Quintessential Careers) recommends employers offer a culture of constructive criticism and mentoring rather than mostly negative feedback. Millennials respond more to mentor relationships versus a rigid management structure that can seem impersonal and intimidating.


Although stereotypes may be efficient for grouping an entire generation, it goes without saying that each person is unique and is capable of defying his or her generational stereotypes. For some employers, hiring members of Generation Y may seem different from what they are used to, but the employers who embrace the fact that Generation Y has much to offer and is the future of their work-force will be the ones who hire and keep the best and brightest.

James Jordan