The unique expectations and job requirements of the next generation entering the workforce can be challenging. The younger workers filling the shoes of the retiring Baby Boomers value work-life integration, prefer teamwork and expect greater compensation and benefits. Undoubtedly, a new approach to recruiting is required in order to catch the attention of the talented, yet selective Millennials. Learn more about how an RPO provider's recruitment focus and expertise can help you attract the younger generation, gain a return on investment and win the war for talent.

1. Streamlining the Recruitment Process. In order to attract the Millennials, the first step your organization needs to accomplish is to develop a strong image and identity. How do you accomplish this? When you partner with an RPO provider, this essentially means that they are working to improve the effectiveness of your recruitment process. By tightening up your process, a fair and consistent image of your organization will be quickly delivered to potential employees that are applying for a job with your company.

A fast, responsive recruitment process will be an essential component in keeping the tech-savvy, options-oriented Millennials interested in working for your organization. Organizations that remove barriers for employees to apply, have a user-friendly application process and respond to applicants in an expeditious manner will certainly have an edge on the competition. The Internet has meant that people have many choices when seeking employment, and companies who create the best applicant experience will ultimately have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the best talent.

2. Offering Best Practices Recommendations. A top-notch RPO provider should essentially be working as a partner "extension" of your organization and continuously be offering you best practices recommendations. The provider should be on the look-out for ways to improve the image of your organization so it is an appealing option for potential employees.

Is your organization attractive to the young talent entering the workforce? If not, why? How does your organization stack up to competitors in terms of pay and benefits? Does your organization have a strong corporate culture? Does your organization empower employees to grow and pursue leadership opportunities? These are all important decision-making factors for the next generation. A strong RPO provider can help you improve in these areas - making you undeniably attractive to potential employees.

3. Developing an "Employment Brand." Companies like Southwest Airlines and Google have actually turned the common talent shortage problem into a more desirable talent "sorting" problem by using employment branding techniques. They are known as great places to work with excellent growth and leadership opportunities. As an expert in recruiting, an RPO provider can also help you by putting together the whole employment value proposition and sourcing strategy for your organization.

Essentially, your employment brand communicates to potential employees what your organization represents and what the employment experience is all about. Most employment branding efforts include elements that gather information on your organization's best practices. By working intentionally to develop an employment brand, this can actually strengthen your internal corporate culture as well. The consistent messaging can reinforce corporate values and what it means to be a part of your organization. A strong culture will certainly help you to attract potential employees and retain them once they are working for you.

4. Using Recruitment "Marketing." As an expert in recruiting, an RPO provider will have knowledge about the latest recruiting trends and insight into the most effective sourcing channels. They will be able to help you use your employment brand to develop high-impact, innovative recruitment marketing campaigns to spread the word that your company is a great place to work.

An RPO provider can augment your current recruiting activities through new methods such as job fairs, radio programs, social networking sites and innovative direct mail campaigns. These avenues are also excellent opportunities to promote information about company milestones, new product/service offerings and your overall competitive edge. The goal of the marketing campaigns is to elevate your differentiators, grab the attention of the modern Millennials and to specifically distinguish your organization from the rest of the media storm.

Entering into an RPO relationship is no doubt a big step, but the benefits will certainly far outweigh any initial start-up challenges. And as the current talent war shows no signs of relenting, RPO is sure to be one of your best kept weapons. An RPO provider's specialization on recruitment will expose you to new sourcing techniques and overall help you to attract and retain the best people. RPO is a new trend, but it is a solution that will certainly make a lasting and positive impact on your organization.

Andrea Bressler, Select International 2008