Millennials, the generation of technology and entrepreneurs are now job seekers. Millennials are the generation born between 1981 and 1996; there are roughly 73 million millennials in America. According to Dynamic Signal, within the next two years, around 50% of the U.S. workforce will be made up of millennials. It will be 75% by the year 2030. They have been stereotyped as lazy, demanding, and entitled. While this may be true for some, Millennials have a lot to offer as new employees. They have an advanced understanding of modern technology, social media, and the needs of the next generation of consumers. This generation is now entering the workforce, but before they can pick up their ice coffee on the way to the office, they need to land their first professional job.
What Is Missing from Their Job Search
According to an article by CNBC, Millennials are not utilizing their relationships and contacts to gain employment. 51% of millennials say that they feel uncomfortable about reaching out for a referral, and 40% say they avoid it altogether. Understandably, it may feel awkward when you reach out to previous employers or coworkers to help you get a job. However, this is why internships are essential for your career. Some may think that an internship is just something to throw on a resume or to show you have some experience in a professional workplace. Internships allow you to make connections, learn new skills, and develop a sense of how to run a business. Courtney Connley, a writer for CNBC, says “Nearly 70% of professionals get hired at companies where they have a personal connection”. Utilize your connections and show your interest in becoming a full-time employee when you intern.
What Do Millennials Have to Offer
Millennials are said to be the “tech-savvy” generation. They have much more to offer than just showing their grandma how to use facebook. Agcareers has a list of the ten positive attributes millennials bring to the workplace. Here are my top five attributes that I believe you should showcase in your job search. Be sure to check out the full list!
1. Innovation/Resourceful
“Millennials are very innovative, and using what they have effectively as well as utilizing their resources successfully.” Having the ability to source information or think outside the box is a valuable skill in today’s world.
2. Entrepreneurial Thinkers
“Their minds tend to lean towards being an entrepreneur. Using that to a business’s advantage is key because if you don’t, you will lose a quality employee.” Continue to think of ideas on how to make the business better. The more you contribute to the company, the more they will offer and do to keep you.
3. Enthusiastic/Postive
“They are very excited and positive about work. They enjoy talking about their jobs and sharing with others about what they do.” No one likes a coworker that dreads coming into the office. More so no one like the guy/girl that always seems to be complaining about work. Your attitude can be your best attribute. Be positive about your work, get excited when given new responsibilities or projects, and embrace the companies culture.
4. Collaborative
“They grew up working in groups (some good, many bad), so take advantage of their collaborative spirits and put them in teams to get assignments done.” Have you ever heard of the phrase “teamwork makes the dream work”? Collaboration and teamwork skills are crucial in today’s job market because more so than not, you will have to work with others. Be open to criticism, take charge when it’s appropriate, and never discourage coworkers.
5. Social Media Opportunist
“They see social media as an opportunity and will have great ideas on how to use it to capture a new market!” Social media is a huge aspect of marketing. You can enhance a company’s culture by posting photos or videos of retreats, events, and maybe some employee highlights.
Preparing for the Job Search
There are some things you may want to take care of before you begin your job search. For instance, cleaning up your social media. Businesses will look into your social media accounts to ensure that you are who you say you are. Photos/videos of you chugging beers at a party or streaking through the streets in college will a huge turn off and will completely disregard your qualifications. If you are in your last year in school, start taking advantage of the services your campus has to offer. Resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and professional guidance are at your disposal, so do not waste it.
Furthermore, know that you have been networking your entire college career. You have made connections with professors and peers that can prove to be valuable in your career! Know that you are not abusing your relationship for personal gain; you are a professional looking to maintain a link and make it mutually beneficial. Who knows, someone may come to you for a reference one day.
Please come to our Next Hudson Job Search Meeting!
Hudson Job Search will be hosting a panel night with Mark Gonska, Terese McGroaty, and Ralph Sinistro @ 7:30-9:00 pm at Christ Church Episcopal, 21 Aurora St. Hudson, OH. Topics include Salary negotiation, Is Franchising a Potential For You, and Job Seeking Services Available from Ohio Means Jobs/Akron.
Hudson Job Search knows how crucial networking is in a job search, so from now on, we are dedicating time to allow job seekers to network! This event will take place from 7:00-7:30 pm before our meeting.
All our events are free of charge and open to anyone who lives and works in the greater NEO area, whether you currently have a job or not. No need to register in advance, but seating is limited to approximately 40 individuals. Please dress business casual.
Michael McClafferty is an intern at Mulligan Management Group.