Understanding Today's Job Seeker

When it comes to recruiting new employees, how much do you really understand about the candidates you are trying to attract? The post-recession millennial job seeker of today is far different than the job seeker of the past. And now that the job market has expanded, candidates are being even more selective in their next move. Attracting and retaining millennials will require employers to understand both what attracts and what motivates them to become valuable members of your team.

More than a Paycheck

While flexibility and time off are very important factors in a job seeker’s decision, most of all, they seek an opportunity to learn and grow. In fact, 61% of workers said that career growth opportunities are more important than compensation. If you do not offer your employee a challenge, they will likely begin to search for the next opportunity that does.
It’s no longer just about the paycheck. Employees now leave for greater growth, better work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and location. In fact, (contrary to outdated employers’ assumptions), the desire for work-life balance is not gender-specific. Men and women alike are viewing their lives more holistically and are gravitating toward the companies that offer greater balance. We are also seeing more millennials ask outright about these details during the interview process, showing their importance to them in a job.

It's a Job Seeker's Market

According to a 2022 study done by Live Career, 51% of workers are actively seeking new employment. That means half of your satisfied employees would entertain a recruiter’s call for better growth opportunities or one of the other factors mentioned above!

Social Media: Preferred Research Tool

By 2025, millennials will comprise 75 percent of the workforce. The importance of employers getting in tune with the desires of this market’s job seekers cannot be understated. Millennials approach a company very differently than any generation that preceded them. Not only are they not afraid to state their demands, but they also have the tools to thoroughly research whether a company meets them.

They use Facebook and LinkedIn to learn not only about the companies’ presence but even the backgrounds of the teammates they might be joining. Specifically, they want to know if other employees’ values, backgrounds, and skills match up with their own.

Instant Access Job Search

Gone are the days when job searches were conducted furtively via one or two platforms. Instagram, Snapchat, and Pinterest have joined Facebook and LinkedIn for ‘social’ job hunting. The use of mobile apps and social media compels companies to constantly update the ways in which they communicate with job seekers. All of this means that companies vying for the attention of top candidates need to stay engaged not only in what motivates those employees but also in how they choose to receive their information/communication.

We find that millennials are more responsive to us via electronic communication, as opposed to phone calls. We are also learning that the best way to reach millennials is via text and email—a major shift from previous generations.

Technology will continue to dramatically change the ways that job seekers access information about companies and their open positions. Companies that want to attract top talent will need to determine whether their benefits packages speak to the values and needs of today’s job seekers. They also need to be sure they are reaching the best pool of talent in the way these potential future employees want to be reached.

If you have any questions, contact us today. You can also learn more about our staffing services or view our current opportunities.