By 2025, Generation Z is expected to make up 27% of the total workforce. This transition will mark the most diverse workforce ever with four major generations—each with their own defining characteristics that make them assets to their teams, as well as divulging a bit to hiring organizations about their work style preferences.
The key challenge for employers is adjusting to the varied preferences of the modern candidate, triggered by generational differences and major global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers must gain a fundamental understanding of their candidate pool and adapt to their unique preferences without sacrificing fairness, transparency, and equity in the hiring process.
Today’s candidates want to be treated as human beings whose time is fully respected by their employers. 82% of employees expect a clear timeline for the job interview process, as well as communication and transparency throughout the hiring process. Failing to move through the hiring process efficiently, particularly through the interview phases, can put your organization at risk of losing the interest of the most desirable candidates.
A relatively new trait of the modern job candidate is the way they believe professional relationships can be forged. Approximately 67% of employees do not believe in-person meetings are required for meaningful relationships and cite email as the preferred way to initially connect with employers.
Today’s candidates, specifically Gen Z, also have a huge demand for using up-to-date technology, with 91% saying it would influence their choice of employment offers. There’s even an upward trend of employees increasingly expecting both a tablet and laptop device option.
Recruiters have had to adapt to the way recruitment is managed based on preference shifts on where job opportunities are searched. Social media is now a central source for job-hunting used by 79% of all job seekers. LinkedIn is at the center of these social media recruitment strategies, which 90% of recruiters use to search for candidates.
The work-from-home (WFH) model has become an incredibly attractive option to candidates, many of whom now expect this level of workplace flexibility from their employers. In fact, 89% of employees prefer either full-time WFH or a hybrid model, and 39% would even consider quitting if not provided a WFH option for their role.
In addition to remote options, candidates are prioritizing overall workplace flexibility that includes work-life balance, scheduling freedom, and paid time off.
Contrary to what many would assume, company culture and values are more important to applicants than material compensation such as salary. Almost 80% of applicants consider company culture, mission, and purpose before applying to a job.
Furthermore, over half of the respondents in that same survey say that culture is more important than salary when talking about job satisfaction. Only 12% of employees consider compensation their most important factor in job satisfaction compared to 22% citing culture and values.
It is imperative for employers to align themselves with a candidate experience that meets expectations as they continue to evolve through an increasingly diversified, multigenerational workforce. Businesses that do not adequately showcase these values during the recruitment process—particularly during the critical interview stages—run the risk of losing the interest of high-quality talent.
A video interview intelligence platform shows your top candidates that your company invests in ensuring they have a positive interview experience with a fair and consistent process that helps both sides figure out if it’s a good fit. You also show candidates a commitment to workplace flexibility when you use a robust platform that offers integration with conferencing software, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, to conduct video interviews remotely. Collaboration tools can help keep your interview schedule on track so that candidates feel their time is respected. Additionally, preconfigured interview questions allow you to evaluate candidates holistically while maintaining fairness, transparency, and equity in the hiring process.
Download our ebook today to learn more about how evolving candidate expectations are impacting organizations and how Clovers Intelligent Interview technology can give your business a competitive advantage in the recruiting space.
Jackie brings over a decade of HR technology experience to Clovers. She’s passionate about helping companies build talented and diverse (dream) teams and delivering an incredible hiring experience to everyone involved.