Generation Y is a generation that requires engagement in order for them to really get involved in something. They’re not good at accepting things at face value; they want to dig in a little deeper.
Interactivity is a great way to get Generation Y engaged and involved. And interactivity on the Web is an even better way.
A Real-Life Example
I am a PC user, always have been. Since I’ve had about four computers in my lifetime so far, I’ve also had a fair share of experience using Windows operating systems. My current personal computer has Windows XP Home on it, but recently Windows came out with a new operating system—Vista.
Now, I’ve tried using two computers that had Vista operating systems and I couldn’t figure out how to work them to save my life. I thought the new system was overwhelming, a bit confusing and unnecessarily complicated. When I used it, I couldn’t even figure out how to print from Word, which is a pretty important thing I need to do as a writer.
So, just like many other people, I’ve taken my negative Vista experience and spread it around. Whenever someone asked me what I know about Vista, I encouraged them to buy something else.
Then I saw a commercial on TV for a new version of Windows called Mojave. The commercial had two guys from Windows demonstrating the new operating system to customers and asking them what they thought of it. After each demo, the person would say they loved it or thought it was great. Then the Windows guys informed the person it wasn’t really Windows Mojave, it was Windows Vista.
The commercial listed a Web site you could visit for more information or to see the demonstrations yourself. So being the curious person I am, I went to the site and watched the videos. The Windows guys showed some of the really cool features Vista has, such as being able to look at all the programs you have open in a 3-D view on your screen or using Vista’s organization system to find anything on your computer by typing it into a search box.
This Web site changed my opinion of Vista. I’ve been planning to buy a laptop before the end of the year, but originally I was going to get a refurbished one with XP, now I’m getting one with Vista.
How This Can Help You
If you’re interested in recruiting and hiring more Generation Y employees, here are some ideas for how you can get interactive:
- If your company is in an industry that Gen Yers aren’t currently working in or very interested in, create videos about different aspects of your company—your company culture, employee point-of-views, a typical day at work, a guided tour of the facilities, etc., as well as some videos about your industry overall, and post them on your company’s Web site and YouTube (or you can also make a micro-site for the videos). You can also include written information about your industry, such as articles or news stories, and post links on your site.
This kind of information can help Gen Yers form a new opinion about your industry or give them information on an industry they might not have known existed.
- You can create interactivity on your company Web site by developing quizzes for potential employees to take. This can be anything from finding out if your company is right for them to finding out their workplace personality.
- Start a blog on your Web site and post short articles and information about your industry and your company. Allow comments so potential employees can write their opinion or ask questions.
- Start a forum on your Web site and post different industry topics and information and get the conversation started with users and potential employees