The millennial generation is taking over the workforce, so it’s time to adjust your interview strategy. Loosely defined as those born between 1981 and 1997, these young professionals are very different from their Gen-X and baby boomer peers.
Not only do they lack experience, millennials also have their own set of values and ideals, which can make the interview process a little tricky. Fine-tune your approach by working these four tactics into the mix.
Ask Behavioral Questions
A wise move when interviewing all candidates, behavioral questions can be especially helpful with millennials, because those on the younger end of the spectrum don’t have much work experience. Questions like “Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who wasn’t pulling their weight” or “Give an example of a goal you didn’t meet and how you handled it” allows them to provide a revealing response without having to draw on situations specific to the professional realm.
Focus on Cultural Fit
Since many millennials might not have experience that stacks up to their more seasoned peers, place a strong emphasis on cultural fit. This is advisable with any candidate, but it’s especially important for young professionals because they don’t have as many bad habits to break. If you find someone with the right personality, you can train them into the best hire you’ve ever had. Plus, they have their whole career ahead of them, so choosing wisely could result in an employee who spends decades on your staff.
Sell Your Company to Them
Unlike previous generations, millennials aren’t just chasing a paycheck. These young workers want to do meaningful work for a company that allows them to strike a balance between their personal and professional life. Make it clear your company is a great place to work by highlighting your top benefits, such as providing regular learning opportunities, offering the ability to work remotely, sponsoring charitable initiatives, and giving generous maternity/paternity leave.
Offer Up the Floor
They were raised by parents who always gave them a voice, so millennials don’t expect to be talked at the entire interview. Allow plenty of time at the end of the meeting for them to ask questions because you can be certain they’ll have plenty. This group doesn’t take well to being brushed off, so answer everything asked to the best of your ability, and promptly follow up with any information you couldn’t provide on the spot.
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