From One Generation to Another: 4 Critical Career Lessons

Gen Y job seekers have received a large amount of flack from older generations.

Whether you believe in the Gen Y stereotypes or not, it’s pretty clear the age-old battle of the generations isn’t going to stop anytime soon. So why not take a second to learn from the traits for which the senior workforce has acquired praise?

Appreciation

Gen Y has unfortunately been stereotyped as the lazy and entitled generation. This is possibly the most damaging stereotype of all. While Gen Y has been taught to chase their passions and (almost recklessly) strive for success, the older workforce was taught to appreciate what they have and be patient with their future successes.

These traits are understandably overlooked and could benefit both employed and job seeking Gen Y members when they could they have been conditioned for unrealistic job expectations.

Execution Matters

There’s never an excuse for careless mistakes. The senior workforce has been praised for their attention to details and preparation skills. Whether it’s job search materials like resumes and cover letters or interview preparation, execution matters.

With so many vast informational resources the senior workforce was not equipped with at one point in time, there just isn’t room for Gen Y job seekers or employees to be anything less than flawless in all they do.

Interpersonal Skills

It’s all too easy to overlook the importance of strong interpersonal skills. Building and maintaining two-way communication and one-on-one relationships is absolutely essential to prospering in the workplace. It seems that all of the technology may be hurting they way we interact with individuals on a face-to-face level.

It’s simple for Gen Y job seekers to forget the everyday importance of team play and common courtesy.

Be Independent 

Today, it seems an independent work ethic is often overlooked due to more value being placed on teamwork. But Gen Y job seekers could learn a thing or two from the senior workforce, which has been praised for its independence. In fact, workers 50 years or older are more likely than younger workers to be independent, self-employed workers.

Regardless of whether Gen Y job seekers are seeking self-employment, a strong level of independence can mean a more confident work ethic and less reliance on acceptance of their managers.

There’s a lot that the younger workforce can gain from generations past. It’s important to hone in on traits that have made those who came before us so successful. Times may be changing, but hard work and diligence never will.

What traits of the senior workforce to you feel are most beneficial of being embraced by Gen Y? Share in the comments below!

For this post, YouTern thanks our friends at ComeRecommended!

About the Author: Brittany Schlacter graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in public relations and a minor in fashion. During her time at BSU, she rose to the position of Assistant Director of Cardinal Communications, Ball State’s renowned student-run advertising and public relations agency.