In today’s market, I think it’s fair to say employers stereotype when hiring. Stereotypes are unfair, but they exist. People will perceive Millennials as being either an example of or an exception to the stereotype. I personally believe that I am living proof that I strive to be the exception. I channel my energies to be the Millennial who is hard working, responsible, committed, and a valuable team member. However, before I had the opportunity to prove myself on the job, I had to set myself apart from other Millennials during my interview.
How, you must ask? Explain to your potential manager in the interview that as a Millennial on the job you will apply yourself 100 percent. Whether it be your dream job or not, you will give it your all and exceed your manager’s expectations. You will do what you can to earn your employer’s investment in you. The manager may challenge you further even after that answer, as it’s one thing to “talk the talk” during the interview versus “walk the walk” on the job.
To help you shed the negative mind set about our generation, here is some advice when interviewing, from one millennial to another.
Stay Confident
Every generation has something to offer (even an individual of an older generation, don’t underestimate your own experience). Believing in your own value, unique skills, voice, and knowledge while remaining humble and open to what you don’t know is a powerful way to stay relevant for generations to come. Employers are always in need of good creative ideas and strong people skills, so as long as you communicate that effectively during your interview you’re on the right track.
Emphasize Your Reliability
To change the negative perception that Millennials aren’t professional or reliable, you should deliberately focus on emphasizing your reliability. Talk about specific times in your career when others depended on you and you delivered. Additionally, it’s easy to show you’re professional by dressing the part and following up with the proper etiquette in emails and interviews.
Ask Questions
Millennials may fail to show interest or passion in the job they’re interviewing for and/or company they’re interviewing with. Obviously, it is essential to show how invested you are in the job and company during the interview! Ask good questions to show you did your research and really want to learn more about the role. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, don’t say “no.” In fact, you should have an entire list of questions prepared.
Despite how it may seem, motivated Millennials have more to offer than maybe some of those in an older generation. Surveys show that Millennial workers are creative and strong networkers. Also, Millennials are known for asking for feedback often; focusing on improving where they said they can do better; and seeking to make sure the Millennial generation is known for being reliable, professional, and loyal. It’s up to you whether you change these perceptions of the Millennial generation or not, and it all starts during the interviewing process.
Sydney Stander
Sydney joined AurStaff in June 2015 and works as an Account Manager. She enjoys pairing both candidates and clients to make the perfect match to benefit every party. “Hearing the joy in their voices when the perfect match has been made is such a rewarding feeling leaving work each day.” Sydney works hard, but plays hard too. Outside of business hours, she enjoys spending time with friends and family; whether that consists of gathering around a bonfire, boating in the summer, or attending outlaw country music concerts and festivals.
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