As Millennials begin to make up most of the workforce, it’s important for employers to learn how to find the best candidates in this age range. However, it’s critical not to let common stereotypes derail hiring outcomes. Millennials have talent, skills, and passion to bring to the table—it’s just a matter of finding candidates with the experience and skills you need.
By understanding the work ethic and values common among Millennials, you can begin to meet the ever-changing demands of your workforce and improve your employee retention efforts.
Here are some useful tips to be mindful of when hiring Millennials.
Remember that one size does not fit all.
Despite their portrayal in the media, Millennials vary in their work styles and leadership potential. When evaluating Millennials, it’s important to set stereotypes aside and focus on each candidate as an individual. You can do this by making sure all candidates are interviewed one-on-one and in-person, which gives you the opportunity to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, communication ability, and soft skills. Individual interviews allow you to truly get a sense of each candidate and whether they possess the ability to succeed within your organization.
Be sure to vary your questions, as well, depending on the background of the candidate. A script will give you far less insight than an honest conversation based on the candidates’ previous experience and interests.
Pay attention to experience.
Experience is essential for all job candidates, and Millennials are no different. Qualified Millennials will most likely be those who have valuable training and schooling experiences. Asking candidates about how their experiences have prepared them for a full-time job will demonstrate the depth of their qualifications and give you a baseline to evaluate whether they are truly prepared for the responsibilities at your organization.
Make your company appealing to Millennials.
Millennials are known for changing jobs frequently, so it’s important to highlight the employment benefits offered by your organization. In addition to discussing the job in detail, make sure candidates are aware of your organizational culture and the type of work-life balance they’ll receive as an employee. Millennials also tend to be attracted to employers that offer aimed at helping them grow in their careers. Providing access to professional development can not only attract top Millennial candidates, but it can also ensure that you have the most knowledgeable and well-trained staff.
If you want your workforce to flourish, it’s time to look beyond widespread Millennial stereotypes and implement hiring practices that are both fair and innovative. Following the tips above can help you attract and retain Millennial talent in healthcare—which will in turn benefit your organization.