Attracting and retaining top talent from the Millennial and Gen-Z generations has become a clear priority for many companies looking to future-proof their workforce.
These digital natives bring new perspectives, technical skills, and innovative thinking to the workplace. But their priorities and expectations can be unique to their generation.
To build a future-proof workforce that thrives on innovation and adaptability, businesses need to change their recruitment strategies.
The Stats
Are you not sure if you should be investing in the next generation of the workplace?
According to Axios, as of September 2023, Millennials made up the largest portion of the full-time workforce at 49.5 million, followed by Gen X at 42.8 million, Baby Boomers at 17.3 million, and Gen Z at 17.1 million.
What does this mean for your company? It means that to stay competitive and continue to grow, you need to not only attract but also retain these younger generations in your workforce.
This requires a shift in traditional recruitment methods as the desires and expectations of millennials and Gen Z differ significantly from previous generations.
Let’s take a look at how you can start moving beyond traditional recruitment methods and attract and retain top young talent in your market.
1. Lead With Purpose and Values
While Millennials and Gen-Z candidates seek a good salary at a stable company, many also want make a positive impact. They want to work for companies that align with their values and contribute to society. To attract these purposeful individuals:
- Mention your company’s mission, vision and values in job postings and throughout the recruitment process.
- Highlight your organization’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and commitment to sustainability.
- Show how specific roles contribute to the company’s overall goals and societal impact.
Recommended: How to Write Job Descriptions That Attract Top Talent
2. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote and flexible work, and younger generations have taken to it. To attract Millennial and Gen-Z talent:
- Offer flexible hours and remote work options when possible.
- Implement a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.
- Talk about work-life balance and trust your employees to manage their time.
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3. Use Social Media and Digital Platforms
Millennials and Gen-Z are digital natives who spend a lot of time on social media and online platforms. So don’t miss your chance to connect with them where they live online.
- Be active on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
- Share meaningful content that demonstrates your company culture, employee experiences and job opportunities.
- Use targeted ads to reach candidates based on their interests and skills.
4. Career Development and Growth
Young professionals are looking for opportunities to learn, grow and advance their careers. To attract ambitious Millennial and Gen-Z talent, you need to find ways to invest in their futures, beyond just your company.
- Mention career development programs, mentorship and internal mobility in job postings.
- Offer continuous learning through online courses, workshops and skill-building programs.
- Show clear career paths and regular feedback so employees know their growth trajectory within the company.
- Ensure plenty of face-to-face with management, who can mentor younger employees through their own experience. This on-the-job training may not happen organically in a hybrid work environment, so it’s a good idea to plan in-person strategy sessions and project days that bring older and younger employees together.
5. Streamline Your Application Process
Millennials and Gen-Z candidates like efficiency and user-friendly experiences. Don’t lose candidates through a clunky application process:
- Make your career site mobile-friendly.
- Simplify the application process by allowing candidates to apply with their LinkedIn profile or upload their resume from the cloud.
- Use chatbots or AI-powered tools to answer applicant questions and guide them through the process.
Recommended: Streamline Your Hiring Process to Retain Top Candidates
Young professionals are attracted to companies that are tech-forward — they’re digital natives, after all. So you don’t want to fall behind in this area.
- Mention your company’s use of emerging technologies in job postings and recruitment materials.
- Plan innovation initiatives, hackathons or internal startup programs where employees can explore new ideas.
- Talk about your commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and adapting to technological changes.
7. Work with a Staffing Agency
Working with a staffing agency can help you attract and recruit top Millennial and Gen-Z talent. Here’s how a staffing partner can help:
- Access to a larger talent pool: Staffing agencies have extensive networks and databases of qualified candidates, including passive job seekers who may not be actively applying to job postings.
- Understanding of generational preferences: Experienced recruiters at staffing agencies know what Millennial and Gen-Z candidates want and expect, so you can tailor your approach.
- Streamlined recruitment process: By handling the initial screening and assessments, staffing agencies can help you focus on the best candidates, saving valuable time and resources.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Reach the Next Generation
Attracting Millennial and Gen-Z talent requires a thoughtful approach that speaks to their needs and wants.
By talking about purpose, offering flexibility, using digital platforms, prioritizing career development, simplifying the process, showcasing innovation and working with a staffing agency, you can make your company a destination for top young talent.
Remember to authentically communicate your company values and opportunities and show you support your employees’ professional and personal growth.
As you do this, consider working with a staffing partner like BravoTECH to supercharge your recruitment and access a wider pool of Millennial and Gen-Z talent. With the right approach, you can build a dynamic, future-proof workforce that drives innovation and takes your company forward.
Contact BravoTECH at 800.762.7286 or [email protected] to learn how we can help you streamline your hiring and secure top talent — even before they’re on the market.
