The time to start attracting top Millennials, a.ka. Gen-Y, to your organization starts with the candidate experience. Developing a standard process aimed towards keeping Gen-Y candidates informed and aware of your jobs and employer brand cements a positive reputation vis-à-vis the company. Understanding this is especially important in light of the fact that reviews of personal experiences travel fast among this uber-connected group, who value the input and opinions of their peers.

4 Ways to Create an Appealing Candidate Experience for Millennials

1) Consistent online communication: Millennials are accustomed to instantaneous interaction on a multitude of online channels. With the immense proliferation of mobile devices, more people are tuned in wherever they are – and expect others to be, as well. Enable connectivity with the corporate recruitment team via online media, with everything from job updates, queries about specific positions, or just overall questions about your company, its workplace culture and benefits. This will have a huge impact on how you are perceived by prospective and actual candidates, marking your company as one which is approachable and in touch with the latest in modern communication trends.

2) Transparent hiring process: All candidates value up-front honesty, and Gen-Y are no different. Present them with the complete particulars about positions and answer questions truthfully. Your openness will be noted and appreciated. Clearly explain the hiring process, along with what they can expect from you and an anticipated timeframe.

3) Employee testimonials: Receptive to reviews of all kinds, providing Millennials with testimonials from current employees will validate and boost your employer brand. Methods such as YouTube videos and an employee blog hosted on your careers website are perfect mediums for employees to tell their stories about their own experiences at your company.

4) Clear opportunities: Gen-Y as a group is extremely intent on advancing their personal careers and contributing to their workplaces. While salary and benefits are obviously important to anybody considering taking a job, the overall potential for involvement and development also reigns supreme. Make it clear how your organization will provide them with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow professionally. Also, show them how yours is an open environment that values its employees’ opinions and ideas. Discuss the methods by which you give your employees a voice, whether via weekly team meetings, collaborative projects, or manager review sessions.

Why It Should Matter to You

As more and more Millennials begin their foray into the World of Work, they are drawing much attention to what it is that sets them apart from other generations of employees and how to better appeal to them.

So why is it important to focus on creating an excellent candidate experience for Millennials? Well, think of it as a long-term investment – as the future majority contingent of your workplace, you’ll need to win them over to your side. By establishing an appealing candidate experience as a standard, you can position yourself as a preferred employer of choice for years to come. This reputation will give you edge over your competitors and help you make a name for yourself among top talent.

Source: http://blog.gooodjob.com/2013/01/4-tips-to-perfect-the-millennial-c...