In 2022, there is no denying the unique value that young, diverse talent can bring to your organization. Tapping into the youth population can help employers address growing talent shortages, increase workforce diversity, improve retention rates, and more.
But if this is true, then why are 71% of employers having a hard time finding applicants for their entry-level roles — and at the same time, over 800,000 Canadian youth (age 15 – 29) are not in employment, education, or training?
A survey conducted in partnership with Accenture and NPower Canada highlighted a key opportunity to help bridge this gap through more inclusive hiring practices – the job posting.
Here are 5 reasons your job posting may not be attracting young, diverse talent
1. Your job title is too vague.
50% of youth surveyed indicated that non-specific job titles that they could not identify with would cause them to lose interest in a job posting. These include titles such as Analyst, Administrative Assistant, Research Aide, Sales Associate, among others.
2. You’re emphasizing years of experience vs. capabilities.
80% of youth surveyed want employers to focus on the capabilities required to succeed in the role rather than the number of years of experience. In fact, 75% of youth said they felt their capabilities and skillset were suitable for a role, but the mandatory education or experience requirements listed stopped them from applying.
3. You don’t have an inclusivity statement.
Over 50% of youth applicants said they want organizations to include an inclusivity statement in their job posting. For example “We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
4. Lack of Information on your organization.
85% of youth surveyed wanted organizations to share more about their organization in the posting, including their workplace culture, links to social media platforms, and review sites.
5. You’re not emphasizing the benefits enough.
Youth indicated that inclusion of benefits was significantly more likely to make them apply for a job posting. This includes information on salary range, health insurance/wellness benefits, flexible hours, etc.
Want to improve your job postings but don’t know where to start?
CivicAction offers a FREE online Job Posting Assessment (JPA) that provides employers like you with recommendations on how to improve your job postings so they resonate more with the young talent you are looking for.
In a few simple steps, the JPA flags content/requirements that youth may not understand, don’t identify with, or may not have and provides tailored recommendations on how you can make your job posting more accessible to youth
Begin attracting next-gen talent today, click here.
