6 Tips For Interviewing Millennials
Contrary to media reports, Millennials are not lazy, entitled and only concerned with what’s in it for them. Millennials are tech-savvy, creative and conscious employees, who have new and fresh ideas to bring to the workplace. With all of the stereotypes, recruiters are stumped on how to handle the new wave of employees who are changing workplace culture.
Don’t rely on misguided media reports when strategising how to appeal to Millennial candidates. We’ve listed 6 top tips on how to make the most out of your interviews with them:
- Understand What Appeals To Millennials
Traditionally, job descriptions have been focused on the specifics of the job itself and long lists of essential skills that the role requires. However, according to a report by KPMG, Millennials are more concerned with workplace culture, enjoying their role, and work-life balance. In the interview, discuss what it’s like to work for your company, professional development opportunities and how the candidate will fit into the team. It’s also worth mentioning any perks that you offer such as early-finish Fridays.
2. Think About The Bigger Picture
Sometimes employers focus on must-have skills and experience, rather than considering innovation, creativity and drive. Although it’s important to find the right person for the role, don’t overlook potential. While a candidate may not tick every item on your checklist, if they are eager to learn and passionate about the role, they may well be a better fit for your company. Guidelines are a better option than must-have lists.
3. Let Them Know What To Expect
A positive hiring experience is important if you would like to build a positive reputation as an employer. Outline the dress code, expected interview duration and let them know who will be interviewing them. This will ease any apprehension or nervousness. This is especially important when interviewing younger Millennials, such as recent graduates, as you may only be their first or second interview for their first professional role. Make it easier for them so that they can focus on showing their full potential during the interview.
4. Measure Coachability
One of the biggest challenges for companies is hiring someone who does not respond well to feedback or advice. To measure coachability, ask about a time when the candidate has felt uncertain about their ability to deliver on a project or task. This will allow the candidate to describe a challenge and how they faced it. Their answer will reveal whether they crumble under pressure, resort to blaming others or rise to the occasion and use feedback to grow.
5. Review Experience-based Questions
This tip is dependent on the age of the candidate. If you are interviewing someone who only has experience in Internships, it is worth reviewing whether it is worth asking experience-based questions. Instead, focus on extra-curricular activities and interests. For example, if they are a member of a sports team, ask them how they have coped with a loss or how they interact with difficult team members. This will give them an equal opportunity to showcase their personality and attributes which will be applicable in the workplace.
6. When You Find The Right Fit, Lend A Hand
If you hire a Millennial who is at the beginning of their career and they prove to be a fantastic fit for your company, there will come a time when you will need to put their long-term goals above your companies needs. Maybe they have career aspirations which you are not able to fill at the time. When this time comes, it’s important to use your influence to mentor them as to how to take the next step. Even if this means losing them, and they decide to take a job at another company. That’s how you win employee loyalty and build a positive reputation. The worst thing you can do is treat an employee progressing as a betrayal! Who knows? Maybe they will come back once they have more skills and experience.
It’s well-known that Millennials values, attitudes and priorities differ hugely from the generations that came before them, so the same old interviewing strategies should not be used on them. What Millennials expect is quickly becoming what the majority of candidates will come to expect: respect, transparency, career advancement opportunities and positive workplace culture. By following our top tips, you will transform your interviewing strategy and attract the best candidates.