Use your youth to your advantage

April 21, 8:11 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Unfortunately, many (often unfair) stereotypes exist about members of Generation Y. The best way to extinguish these stereotypes is to know what they are and how to avoid them. But, what about the complaint that you’re just too young? How on Earth are you supposed to fight against something over which you have no control—the year you were born?

In a recent interview with Brandi Blades, vice president of marketing at Gen Y talent acquisition agency Brill Street + Company, she provided six ways in which young professionals can use their youth to their advantage during the job hunt and in the workplace.

1. You’re techno savvy. Technology is the great enabler for corporate America, and you know how to leverage it. Use your tech savvy know-how to your advantage. Not only do you know how to harness new media, you will quickly master new technologies. You’re an early adopter and can easily transfer your knowledge to your colleagues.

2. You’re flexible. Emerging professionals are more likely to relocate and can easily adapt to change. Let a potential employer know you’re willing to wear many hats and will do what it takes to get the job done.

3. Your multi-tasking skills are second to none. You process information at lightning speed and have the organizational skills to manage multiple projects at once. Rising to the top under pressure while managing many different initiatives will set you apart from the crowd.

4. You’re entrepreneurial. Not only will you excel at your daily duties, you’ll keep an eye on the bottom line. Gen Yers bring an entrepreneurial flair to corporate America that goes far beyond what companies have seen in the past. You want to make a real difference. 

5. You’re motivated by opportunity. A new challenge and opportunity is your motivational driver. Use this card to your advantage. 

6. You’re the voice of change and increasing market share. Ninety-one percent of Gen Yers say that user reviews are influential in making a decision to buy a new product or service, according to a recent study released by Brill Street. No one knows how to reach Gen Yers in the marketplace better than Gen Y itself. If a company is targeting this demographic, they need the minds (and hands) of Gen Y to win the market over. Nearly 60 percent of respondents in the Brill Street study feel social media is discouraged in the workplace—yet 87 percent believe leveraging social media grows brands and businesses.