HR Directors and Recruiters Overlook Their Talents
Unfortunately, many human resources directors and recruiters rely on more traditional methods for finding new hires. As a result, they sometimes fail to see the talents and skills of certain applicants. They may not fully understand an applicant's talent for creating engaging multimedia presentations without seeing work examples, something standard resumes do not allow.
They Lack Basic Communication Skills
It's no secret that millennials spend more time texting friends than talking to them, and many hiring managers believe this has negatively affected their communication skills. They think that millennials often neglect to spell words fully or use complete sentences and tend to use too much slang or overly casual language when speaking. All of this makes them appear unprofessional.
They Lack Interview Skills
The millennials who make it to the interview stage sometimes suffer from poor interview skills and don't know how to speak and act in the professional manner corporations love. They show up in casual attire, arrive late and unprepared, and even respond to text messages during the interview.
They Overexpose Their Lives on Social Media
HR managers and recruiters review social media accounts when considering job applicants because it gives them additional insight into the people they hire. Photos from wild parties that depict questionable behavior suggest the candidate is a potential liability to the company or will be unreliable as an employee. Negative comments about current and previous employers also hurt their job search.
They Have Unrealistic Expectations
Encouraged by their parents, teachers, and mentors to follow their passions in life, millennials want jobs that offer more than just paychecks. They want careers that help them feel fulfilled in life and may resist performing tasks that seem unimportant. Unfortunately, companies want employees who are willing to work to meet the company's needs. Millennials don't understand that sometimes you have to start at the bottom in order to get to the top. Sometimes this means running errands or grabbing coffee for your bosses, but done with a smile can actually get you ahead in the end.
They Face Increased Competition in the Job Market
The job market is a frustrating place for millennials who face increased competition for the same jobs. Older job seekers with more experience apply for the same entry-level positions as recent college graduates. Even worse, many companies offer unpaid internships instead of paid positions as a way to save money.
They Have the Wrong Skills
Millennials know how to use computers and are more technology savvy than generations before. However, companies prefer employees with strong interpersonal and problem solving skills in addition to computer proficiency. This group has little difficulty sharing their lives in an online environment, but they don't know how to do so in person. They also lack active listening skills and confidence to speak in front of people.
They Choose Alternatives to the Corporate World
Many millennials watched their parents devote their time and attention to their jobs only to lose them in the wake of a recession. As a result, they don't want to feel obligated to corporate employers and opt to work as freelancers or start their own businesses. They may have to work several jobs to make ends meet, but they prefer working for themselves.
The Older Generation Does Not Understand Them
Many members of the older generation label millennials with monikers like self-absorbed, entitled, and lazy. Then they turn on MTV to prove their claims. Yet, few millennials view themselves through the same lens. They do have a different work ethic, but it is because they believe they deserve fair compensation for what they do and refuse to compromise their values to make money.
They Do Not Like to Take Risks
In 2014, UBS Wealth Management released the results of a survey that show millennials save more money than their parents and grandparents. They also are less likely to invest money in the stock market. This risk aversion carries over to the job search. Many millennials do not want to move far from home to find a job and would rather wait for an opportunity to appear near them.
