Gen Y job seekers have recently received a large amount of flack from the older generations, being labeled as the generation that has postponed growing up, living at home, and even lacking driver’s licenses. Studies even show that younger Americans have seen a 68 percent drop in their net worth, while the net worth of those who are 65 and older has risen 42 percent in the past 25 years.
Whether you believe in the Gen Y stereotypes or not, it’s pretty clear the age-old battle of the generations isn’t going to stop anytime soon. So why not take a second to learn about the traits for which the senior workforce has acquired praise?
Appreciation
Gen Y has unfortunately been stereotyped as the lazy and entitled generation. This is possibly the most damaging stereotype of all. While Gen Y has been taught to chase their passions and (almost recklessly) strive for success, the older workforce was taught to appreciate what they have and be patient with their future successes. These traits are understandably overlooked and could benefit both employed and job seeking Gen Y members when they could they have been conditioned for unrealistic job expectations.
Execution Matters
There’s never an excuse for careless mistakes. The senior workforce has been praised for their attention to details and preparation skills. Whether it’s job search materials like resumes and cover letters or interview preparation, execution matters. With so many vast informational resources the senior workforce was not equipped with at one point in time, there just isn’t room for Gen Y job seekers or employees to be anything less than flawless in all they do.
Interpersonal Skills
It’s all too easy to overlook the importance of strong interpersonal skills. Building and maintaining two-way communication and one-on-one relationships is absolutely essential to prospering in the workplace. It seems that all of the technology may be hurting they way we interact with individuals on a face-to-face level. It’s simple for Gen Y job seekers to forget the everyday importance of team play and common courtesy.
Be Independent
Today, it seems an independent work ethic is often overlooked due to more value being placed on teamwork. But Gen Y job seekers could learn a thing or two from the senior workforce, which has been praised for its independence. In fact, workers 50 years or older are more likely than younger workers to be independent, self-employed workers. Regardless of whether Gen Y job seekers are seeking self-employment, a strong level of independence can mean a more confident work ethic and less reliance on acceptance of their managers.
There’s a lot that the younger workforce can gain from generations past. It’s important to hone in on traits that have made those who came before us so successful. Times may be changing, but hard work and diligence never will.
What traits of the senior workforce to you feel are most beneficial of being embraced by Gen Y? Share in the comments below!
