They are all around us! Technology wise, incredibly sophisticated, highly educated and racially and ethnically diverse, the millennials are the future workforce to recruit. It is great if your company has the latest and greatest technology tools, but recruiting millennials in IT goes beyond that. It is not only about finding the right millennials; it is also about making sure that they stay with you in the long run. But how do you do that? How do you create the right environment for them to thrive and ultimately stick around? Take a look at factors that you need to take into account when recruiting millennials in IT.
Room for Growth
If you believe that a good paycheck is going to keep millennials at your company then you need to think again. Studies show that millennials do not expect to stay at the same position for a long period of time if there is no room to develop their technology career. The moment they realize that their technology career path is foreclosed then they decide to make the next move. With that said, make sure that when you are recruiting millennials in IT, you clearly show to them the opportunities they have for growth within your organization.
Innovation and Creativity
Millennials are impatient. They are used to getting things when they want them and that extends to their employment world. They might have specific technology skills but that doesn’t stop them from being curious and innovative. They really are looking to make an impact and put their hands on new and unknown areas. Make sure that you do not limit their creativity or dampen their enthusiasm. The more you welcome them to bring ideas to the table, the more value they’re going to offer to your organization. Ask them for their opinion and encourage them to be more interactive.
Self-Direction
There is a misunderstanding when it comes to millennials taking direction and feedback. It is believed that because they are confident about their technology skills, they do not welcome input nor do they like to be told what to do. The truth is that you need to have a different approach when you are recruiting millennials in IT. Instead of dictating to them what the right method is, let them find out on their own the way to get the job done. Do not make them feel that you’re always over their shoulder watching what they do. Instead have recurrent communication with them and provide them with advice and support when needed.
Balance and Flexibility
The great majority of millennials worry about being able to have a balance between their technology career and their personal life. The moment the work environment stops being convenient they start looking for the next opportunity. It is important that before you start recruiting millennials in IT, you ensure that your organization offers the level of flexibility that millennials ask for. From working remotely, to traveling, to using their own devices to work, millennials are seeking the comfort that allows them to achieve balance between their professional and personal lives.
Millennial Culture
Millennials feed off of each other. They like being challenged as well as coming across different things every day. This is feasible when they interact with other millennials on a daily basis. They perform better when they operate in an environment that they are able to identify with. In other words, it is significant that your organization works towards recruiting more millennials in order to create a millennial-friendly culture. When a new millennial hire comes in and they are able smoothly adapt to the new environment, then chances are that they are going to stick around.
Key Takeaways:
1. When recruiting millennials in IT, talk to them about the career growth potential they have at your company
2. Encourage innovation and creative ideas from millennials
3. Let millennials find their own strategy of getting the job done
4. Make sure your work culture provides millennials with work/life balance and flexibility
5. Build a millennial culture and recruit more millennials