3 Questions You Should Ask When Interviewing Millennials

Everyone is trying to figure out what Generation Y, more commonly known as the millennial generation, is all about. Admittedly, it can be difficult to get a good read on a generation that’s equal part social media and social causes.

By 2020, millennials will make up 40 percent of the hourly workforce, so now more than ever, it’s essential to have a better understanding of how these hires will contribute to your workplace. During the hiring process, the interview is always the best time to learn about expectations, skills and experience so the right questions can make all the difference. Listed below are a few question you should consider asking millennial candidates to better understand the direction the workforce is going in.

[wiw-graphic-heading lvl=”h2″ img=”https://marketing-assets.wheniwork-production.com/2015/03/19135026/blog_assets_3_questions.jpg” text=”What’s Your Favorite Part About Working on a Team?” /]

Contrary to popular belief, millennials aren’t all about selfies and what’s in it for them; in fact, millennials are more concerned about the success of the overall team than that of the individual. Once you have a more team-oriented workforce, it’s important your new additions have the same attitude. Asking about their favorite aspect of teamwork can provide more insight into their working style and whether or not they’ll make a good fit on your team.

[wiw-graphic-heading lvl=”h2″ img=”https://marketing-assets.wheniwork-production.com/2015/03/19135025/blog_assets_3_questions2.jpg” text=”Where Do You Like To Volunteer?” /]

This is a generation of people who want to make a difference, who want to make a positive impact on the world. Asking this question can give you an idea of how a candidate likes to contribute to their community and connect with others, while cluing you in on what their passions are and how they enjoy spending time outside of work. This question works as the perfect setup to discuss what volunteer opportunities or charities that your business and employees are involved with.

[wiw-graphic-heading lvl=”h2″ img=”https://marketing-assets.wheniwork-production.com/2015/03/19135024/blog_assets_3_questions3.jpg” text=”Where Do You See Yourself This Time Next Year?” /]

This is a variation on a common interview question that gives you a realistic glimpse into what a millennial will want from a position. Perhaps they want to grow into a managerial position or gain enough experience to move on to another job. Depending on the answer you get, you can always let a candidate know what opportunities are available within your company and lay out the career path it will take to get to that point.

Ready or not, the millennials are coming. Updating certain aspects of your hiring process, including job descriptions and employment application forms,  will make sure you find the most qualified members of this generation to join your team and help you achieve success. By the time 2020 rolls around, you’ll be more than ready to start hiring!

Imani is a content specialist at Snagajob, America’s largest hourly employment marketplace for job seekers and employers.  When she’s not writing content for employers to read, she can be found updating her blog or channeling her inner rock star at karaoke.