10 Tips for Millennials Searching for a Job!
By 2020, 50% of the workforce will be comprised of Millennials. These Millennials are people born between the early 1980’s and 2000’s, and no they are not a new breed of beetle or robot. I am a Millennial, and proud of this, so this article is for people just like me that want to get hired, but is also for companies that are hiring today. In 10 years we will dominate the workforce so hopefully you will pay attention now as this infiltration has already begun. A word of caution: This article is not for the faint of heart. I would ask before you continue reading you purge any views you might already have around getting hired or hiring a Millennial. You may even consider growing a second skin. The most important thing is to be open minded.
Let me reiterate: This means any bad press that has tainted your opinion needs to be parked at the back of your brains, composted, and resurrected as something constructive and useful just like we are doing
The future is now for Millennials, so let’s get them hired
- What makes you qualified? First and foremost, your knowledge. As a recruiter, one of the most prominent bullet points I’ve come across on a job description is ‘BA or equivalent required.’ So, whether you’ve sold your soul to a four year degree program, or you’ve been slugging it out with the working class for years, prove to the hiring managers that you have knowledge and experience from any part of your life–with sports teams, school projects, internships, or, of course, a job.
- Build a profile on LinkedIn. It is the #1 recruiting tool for internal talent groups and external. Highlight your success, drive, expertise and why these skills are transferable to the workforce.
- Find a “getting hired” coach – talk with people about interviewing, role play and be prepared.
- According to the Globe and Mail, there are approximately 40 million tech-savvy millennial workers in the job market, which means competition is steep. So, how can YOU ensure success and leave the competition in the dust? Start by researching the company. According to recent studies, an astounding 67% of ‘wannabe employees’ do not research the company they are interviewing for. Are you kidding me my millennial sisters and brothers? Make an effort to know the products the company sells and who they’re selling too. Find out about their reputation and their value proposition. Use this information to create a dialogue with the hiring managers and let it be known that you know what you’re talking about because you’ve done the research.
- Oh yeah, don’t bring your smart phone to the meeting unless you intend to use it to show a company you understand how to use it because it is criteria for the job.
- Don’t go to an interview without a pen/notebook and list of questions. If the interviewer doesn’t answer your questions, you can ask them. It’s not just a one way street!
- Interview to get hired for every job – even if you are only partially interested. Employers sense moderate interest. Interview with enthusiasm, as if this was the only job available and you really want it. Passion and enthusiasm are critical.
- Sell yourself – you made it through puberty, high school, and college and you deserve a job. So, make a good impression with your resume, and then once you are scheduled, make the decision easy for them and sell your skills and experience.
- Present your strengths and also your weaknesses. Weaknesses can mean you need training and more information about the role. Instead of saying “weakness” say “something I think I need to work on is this…”
- Guess what? You are young, nervous and that’s ok. The hiring managers know this and want you to do well. They are busy people and hope when you walk in the door you are the ideal candidate – hopefully they will make this a relaxing environment for you. Try to answer questions succinctly, don’t over-talk, be polite, courteous and answer with a smile. Compliment them for asking a great question. Be honest and always treat things with positive intent – you will get bonus points for this.
Happy Hunting and keep the faith – from one Millennial to another – reach out to us if you need help.
Authors: Shannon Woodward and Michelle Harris
Endorsed by Cathy Cairns.
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Written by: Shannon Woodward
December 11, 2017