Gen Y is experiencing more difficulty transitioning from the classroom to the workplace than previous generations. A recent JobFox poll, which found “Gen Y workers are perceived by recruiters as being the weakest performers among the four generations that now make up the U.S. workforce,” confirms that hiring managers agree. What can you do to make the transition seamless and foster success?
1. Dress to impress. “Pay no attention to published corporate dress codes. Dress to the level that you aspire. Don’t wear jeans just because your fellow entry-level workers wear jeans. What does your boss wear? Match your attire to one level up the ladder,” said Alice Waagen, PhD, the founder of Workforce Learning.
2. Do the easy stuff right. “Show up to meetings on time, every time. Promptly return e-mails and phone calls. Let managers know about ‘surprises’ in advance. Say ‘thank you.’ These little things carry a lot of weight in the office environment,” said Rob McGovern, CEO of JobFox.
3. Listen, listen and listen. “Keep a mental monitor on all interactions and make sure that you are speaking no more than 50 percent of the time. Use electronics only when you can’t talk face to face,” said Waagen.
4. Let others in on your expectations. “Gen Y workers must learn that being deserving isn’t enough. Boomer-dominated work environments – right or wrong – are built upon relevant and measurable results. As a result, if you walk up to a boss and demand a raise, extra vacation time or a more flex time, you’re likely to get a lot of static. If, on the other hand, you provide a well-documented case that demonstrates your work and how your achievements led to relevant company results, you’ll get much further,” said McGovern.
5. Steer clear of office politics. “Find a mentor, someone who is considered successful in the organization that can guide you in navigating the political waters,” said Waagen.
6. Ignite your own projects. “Fight the urge to do only what you are told and nothing more. Instead, use down time to put together your action plan of contributions for each week. Share it with your boss, and ask for feedback. A simple e-mail will do the trick. Even if your plan of action is not wholeheartedly accepted, it shows your manager that you are thinking ahead and seizing the initiative. It also helps remind your manager to incorporate you into important team goals,” said McGovern.
7. Don’t loose your outward focus. “Build and maintain a professional network outside of your organization. This network will help you know when and how to move on. Have a plan – where do you want to be in three, five and 10 years? Work your personal and professional development toward those goals,” said Waagen.
8. Engage your team spirit. “Managers, especially Baby Boomers, don’t mean to ignore people. They’re just a little self-absorbed. While Gen Y is the ‘We Connect’ generation, Baby Boomers are the ‘I am’ or ‘Me’ generation. There’s a lot Baby Boomers can learn from our youngest workers. As a Millennial, use your ‘need for engagement’ to create a competitive advantage for your company. Be the spark that helps ignite greater collaboration and teamwork in your new place of work,” said said McGovern.
9. Build and keep a budget. “Don’t get trapped in a job you hate because you can’t afford to quit and move on,” said Waagen.
10. Get enough sleep. “You need to be alert and functioning every day for at least eight hours. You can’t do that consistently on three hours of sleep. Tardiness and absenteeism are sure career killers,” said Waagen.
Comments
Hi Dina,
I am not sure if you are the "Y' generation but this info is interesting.
Mom
Hi Kevin,
I know you are not the "Y: generation but this is an interesting article.
Mia
Making the transition from college to workplace - great tips!
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