Spread Your Hiring Among Generations: Here’s How!

The workforce of today comprises four main generations: Gen Zs, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers. A LinkedIn report states that the multigenerational workforce is a significant factor in a company’s success and one of the key trends in talent acquisition. Each generation has its own distinct communication style, work-life balance, life goals, and work productivity preferences, which influence their approach to job hunting.

To effectively attract candidates from different generations, recruitment strategies should be customized to meet their unique preferences and life stages. Employers aiming to build and maintain a multigenerational workforce must understand their target audience and determine the most effective messaging and recruitment channels.

Here’s a breakdown of the recruitment tactics for each generation:
Recruiting Gen Z: Gen Z individuals, born between 1997 and 2012, are just starting to enter the workforce but will become a significant segment in the coming years. To successfully recruit and engage Gen Z candidates, recruiters should consider:

Content marketing: Utilize social media platforms to enhance the company’s visibility. Creating informative content about core values, mission, and non-traditional benefits, retreats, and social events will capture the interest of this generation. Recruiters should then personalize communication through email, social media, and text messages, as Gen Z candidates value visualizing how their personal and
professional lives can merge.

Recruiting Millennials: Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are tech-savvy and early adopters of technology trends. When attracting Millennial candidates, recruiters should consider:

Hiring timelines: Millennials appreciate clear communication and frequent feedback throughout the interview process. Streamlining the interview process and providing regular updates will keep candidates engaged. Personalized communication through text messages, emails, or social media platforms like
LinkedIn helps establish quick rapport and interest.

Recruiting Gen X: Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, is taking on more senior-level roles and leadership positions. When looking for Gen X candidates, recruiters should consider:

Clearly define career paths: Collaborate with human resources and analyze the career paths of current employees. Gen X candidates value transparency and want to know the requirements for success and how others have progressed within the organization. Direct, one-on-one communication through social media channels can build credibility. 

Recruiting Boomers: Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, possess extensive experience, particularly in leadership positions. When considering Baby Boomer candidates, recruiters should make note of:

Direct communication: Boomers focus on the practical aspects of the position rather than company culture. When communicating with candidates, recruiters should emphasize how their experience makes them ideal for the role and outline the benefits and responsibilities. Direct phone or email conversations allow recruiters and candidates to discuss leadership opportunities, mentorship, and relationship building.

Recruiting a multigenerational workforce requires customized approaches for each generation. Recruiters should identify their desired talent, and develop targeted messaging based on generational preferences, communication styles, and job expectations. By considering these generational nuances, recruiters can successfully build a diverse and resilient workforce to thrive in the future.