3 IT hiring myths about generational differences
Although you would believe hiring in IT is based solely on resume facts, myths, fables, and folklore remain pervasive, especially around generational differences. Molly Waseka for The Enterprise Project explores three IT hiring myths here. Highlights are featured below.
Myth #1: Older generations don’t use technology as much as younger generations
Believing older generations don’t use or understand technology is costing you opportunities. According to Waseka, “Older adults are engaging with technology more than ever before and are rapidly adopting technologies such as online video subscriptions, telehealth, video conferencing, and grocery delivery (in 2021, adults 55 to 75 made up over 30 percent of Instacart’s customers). Estimates indicate that consumers over 50 will spend upward of $84 billion on tech products by 2030.”
Myth #2: The most innovative teams include Millennials and Gen Z
Although many industries finally appreciate the innovation a racially diverse workforce brings, more are losing out on an equally generationally diverse workforce. From the article, “The most diverse IT teams tend to be the most innovative ones, and hiring managers should consider age diversity as they seek to build environments that encompass a spectrum of thought perspectives…Hiring managers should consider age diversity as they seek to build environments that encompass a spectrum of thought perspectives…Because older populations are working longer, an unprecedented four generations are now active in the workforce. Understanding the behavior and motivations of each one requires connecting to their perspectives, which can vary based on factors such as upbringing and historical events. Creating a diverse collective of thought on a single team that understands and taps into the motivations of these four distinct generations will yield powerful, creative solutions.”
Myth #3: Younger generations will be on your team longer
Although you may see younger generations burning the midnight oil, they may not be for long. The article concludes, “Hiring managers who meet with job applicants and seek employees to fill roles should take note: Older employees generally stay on teams as long as or longer than their younger counterparts. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, workers 57 to 75 years old stay in a role for an average of eight years and three months, while each following generation trails behind: Gen Z stays on teams, on average, for two years and three months, while Gen X average three years less than Baby Boomers in a job.”
IT recruiters must adjust their recruiting practices to address the new reality of the IT workforce. Those who discard recruiting myths first win.
Trent Lyons is a Technical Recruitment Lead at Business Centric Technology. If you are interested in learning more about how to get the best IT talent in the Dallas metroplex, contact Trent who specializes in recruiting IT talent in Dallas, Ft. Worth, and North Texas. If you are looking for a rewarding career, contact us today.