5 Recruiting Tips for Attracting a Multigenerational Workforce

How you recruit talent changes from generation to generation. Your messaging, process, and understanding of candidates changes with their generation. This makes recruiting so challenging. Today, you have to consider four generations of talent when recruiting:

• Generation Z
• Millennials
• Generation X
• Baby Boomers

Multigenerational talent recruitment is a key factor that will have an impact on recruiting practices in the next few years. There are advantages to having a diverse multigenerational workforce. According to Global Talent Trends 2020 report, 89% of companies believe it can help them be more successful.

“No matter how you’re defining the generations, their differences tend to be overstated and their similarities underplayed. Nonetheless, understanding where and how they do vary can help you build a team that successfully leverages the skill sets, perspectives, and experiences of workers across the age spectrum,” says Bruce Anderson on the LinkedIn Talent Blog.

The report identifies the key trends companies need to consider when looking for talent across multiple generations:

• They have different skill sets: Each generation has unique skill sets. Blending these skill sets by hiring across multiple generations can help you broaden your company’s skill and knowledge base.
• They have different career priorities: Generation Z values training, coaching, and mentorship more than previous generations. Boomers are more interested in working for a company that is aligned with their sense of purpose. All generations want to work for companies with great cultures and companies with inspiring leaders.
• They make career moves for different reasons: Millennials are looking for advancement and better compensation. Generation X wants advancement and greater challenges. Boomers leave because they want to be challenged and want a role that matches their skills and interests.
• They prioritize different benefits: Each generation wants good healthcare plans. But what is included in these plans differ.

The key message is to understand that each generation is unique. Treat them as such and adjust your approach accordingly.

Tips to Attract Talent in a Multigenerational Workforce

1. Find the right balance of talent between generations
2. Adjust the means used to contact candidates based on generational preferences
3. Consider working preferences when making job offers
4. Offer professional development and growth opportunities at all levels
5. Focus on creating a diverse organizational culture – including talent from multiple generations

Get More Recruiting Insights From Our Expert Headhunters

Get more tips and advice from our Toronto executive recruiters about hiring candidates from multiple generations. Check out these insightful blog posts:

4 Tips for Hiring Generation Z Candidates

3 Tips to Recruit the Millennial Generation

Top 4 Executive Talent Recruiting Challenges

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