Would You Hire You?

Junior AchievementPhoenix, ArizonaMarch 25, 2010

It’s a Very Challenging Workforce

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Globalization

Economic Uncertainty

Technological Advances

Shifting Demo-

graphics

Downsizing

Will you be ready…

Our Discussion Today

• Understand the different generations that make up the current workforce

• Learn what some are saying about your generation – the Millennials

• Discuss some tips about entering the workforce with your best foot forward

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Four Generations in Today’s Workforce

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Traditionalists Boomers Xers Millennials

Unique Aspects of Each Generation in the Workforce

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Traditionalists (ages 65-87) value…

•Dedication and sacrifice•Hard working and loyal•Respect for authority•Patience and conformity•Adherence to rules

Unique Aspects of Each Generation in the Workforce

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Boomers (ages 45-64) value…

•Optimism•Personal gratification•Health and wellness•Personal growth•Social involvement

Unique Aspects of Each Generation in the Workforce

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Xers (ages 29-44)value…

•Diversity•Global thinking•Entrepreneurial•New technology•Flexible hours and informal work environments•Ambitious

Unique Aspects of Each Generation in the Workforce

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Millennials (age 28 and under) value…

•Optimism•Civic duty•Highly confident, EXCEPT in sales•Eager to learn•Team orientation

You may have heard it all before…

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“Millennials: Worst Generation in the Workforce”

Business Week“A New Generation of ‘Slacker’ Professionals?”

Industry Week

“The Lost Generation”

Business Week

Listen to this view on your generation…

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However, many are seeing the other side of the coin…

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“If You Think All Millennials are Slackers, You’re Dead Wrong!”

Fast Company

“Millennials have the potential to be a great generation.”

Dave Verhaagen, author of Parenting the Millennial Generation

“It’s the corporate leaders (not the young professionals) who need the attitude adjustment though. ‘Businesses must shed negative perceptions and learn new ways to incorporate Gen Y views into the workforce.’”

Rob McGovern,JobFox CEO

Food for Thought

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Age is foolish and forgetful when it

underestimates youth.

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, 2005

The Benefits of Youth

•Today’s younger workers can be a HUGE benefit to organizations:– A great appreciation for technology– An eagerness for change– An assumption that information is to be shared, not hoarded– A talent (and preference) for collaboration– A passion for service– A desire to make a (BIG) difference

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How would you describe a company’s dream employee?

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Good Communicator

Mature

Professional

Team PlayerOrganized

Integrity

Positive Attitude

Follow Through

Millennials at Work

• Highly networked

• Friends at work

• Sharing, teamwork,collaboration

• Open environment

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Getting Beyond the Myths

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To prove your worth, you have

to get over some

misconceptions about your generation.

TRUE FALSE

Millennial Myth Game Show

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Your managers at work will likely not be as technically savvy and

socially connected as you.

Bridging the Technology Gap

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Millennial Myth Game Show

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A

B

The appropriate response when asked to make copies is…

Sure, I can get that done for you.Sure, I can get that done for you.

Is there someone else who can handle that?Is there someone else who can handle that?

That’s not part of my job description.That’s not part of my job description.C

Millennial Myth Game Show

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TRUE FALSE

There’s no need to write personal thank you notes anymore; emails

are fine.

Millennial Myth Game Show

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A

B

When is it OK for your parents to step in and help out?

Explaining why you missed a job interview.Explaining why you missed a job interview.

Justifying to your professor why you should receive a higher test grade.Justifying to your professor why you should receive a higher test grade.

Pushing your manager for a promotion or salary increase.Pushing your manager for a promotion or salary increase.C

Helicopter Parents

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Millennial Myth Game Show

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A

B

Which sentence is the best example of proper business writing?

I prob wont be at lunch. TTY later bro.I prob wont be at lunch. TTY later bro.

I probably won’t be able to make the lunch today. I’ll talk to you later this afternoon.I probably won’t be able to make the lunch today. I’ll talk to you later this afternoon.

Can’t make it, later.Can’t make it, later.C

Email and Business Writing Tips

• Keep it professional

• They are never private

• Subject line is important

• Limit copies

• Don’t let them take over your life

• Include contact information

• Be careful what you forward

• Don’t hide behind your PC

• Delete does not mean delete

• Make sure it makes it

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Make Sure You’re Speaking the Same Language

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Millennial Myth Game Show

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TRUE FALSE

It’s OK to send a text giving an interviewer a heads up that you’re

running late.

Millennial Myth Game Show

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A

B

Which of the following are not appropriate in a work setting?

Visible tattoosVisible tattoos

Facial piercingsFacial piercings

Torn jeans and flip flopsTorn jeans and flip flopsC

Professional Appearance Matters

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Millennial Myth Game Show

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TRUE FALSE

Face time will be important to your manager, even if you’re getting all

your work done quicker.

It’s All Up to You

• Focus on what you say

• Focus on what you do

• Focus on what you have

• Not what others say

• Not what others do

• Not what others have

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“You are responsible for your success. The only one who can make your dreams come true is you.”

Nancy Barry, When Reality Hits

Some Final Tips

•Stay positive and professional

•Have a ‘can-do’ attitude

•Communicate appropriately to the right audiences

•Remain open to learning

•Have fun – and good luck out there!

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Thank You and Good Luck

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Sherri Elliott-Yeary, SPHRsherri@geninsyght.com

Ties to Tattoos available at:www.barnesandnoble.comwww.tiestotattoos.com