"What If" Scenarios Facing Job Seekers and Strategies That Help
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Dear Leah,


This month, allow me to share with you an excerpt of a career planning book for which I am a contributing writer. The chapter I wrote was on the "What if" scenarios facing job seekers and strategies to help them work around those issues.


The topic I choose for this newsletter is one that many people face - working with professionals from other generations as equals - or even superiors - in a job. After all, just a few years ago things were quite predictable in the office. The old, white-haired guy was likely the boss and the young, energetic newbie was the assistant looking to work their way up the ladder. Well, fast-forward to present day. A person's position on the corporate ladder is not as driven by age or years of experience anymore. Companies are coming in all shapes and sizes, and so are managers, CEOs, and peers.


Read on and see if you can identify with either of these scenarios:


Q: I have been in my industry and field for longer than I can remember – I’m even working alongside (or reporting to!) people my kids’ ages! How can I show I am still on top of my game?


Or


I just interviewed for a job and every person in the office is so experienced (i.e. has grey hair and bifocals!). How am I going to prove that I know what I am doing so they don’t treat me like a kid?


A:

With multiple generations in the workforce right now, this has emerged as an important topic for hiring managers. Each generation has to prove their ability to work with current technology, yet understand the foundation on which that technology was built; they need to show that they can play by the rules, yet bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table; they need to demonstrate their respect for each generation, especially when one’s boss might be 20 years younger; and they must show that they understand various forms of communication and the levels of professionalism required by each.


If you are of the, ahem, more mature generation, think about the messages and phrases you use. Saying “so, you use that iPad 'thing' then?” or “well, in those days, it was…” may age you in an employer’s eyes. Pulling out a paper calendar to discuss a next meeting date may make you come across as technically un-savvy and out-of-date. On the contrary, if you even glance at your phone when it pings during an interview, you may come across as disrespectful, disengaged, and distracted.


As you prepare for interviews, think about who you will be meeting with. Develop messages that actually demonstrate understanding of, and appreciation for, all professionals in the workforce. Devise questions that communicate interest in, rather than challenge, the interviewers experience and expertise. Here are some examples to get you started:


“I use the iPad, it is great for communication, research, and entertainment, but not productivity in daily work; how do you like the functionality of the Surface?”



“When you think about your depth of experience, what have you been able to take with you through the new trends in IT application software?”



“Your accomplishments are impressive; did you have business mentors / influences driving you through these first few years on the job (or, during college)?”



“How do you describe your management style? How has it evolved / developed over the years?”
Or, “Have you been through specific management training programs?”



For some of you, dropping a comment or two about your physical activities will also be a good strategy to convey your energy and stamina. I will forever remember the balding, grey-haired security director with trifocals I worked with that had been laid off after 25+ years with one company. We found that it was imperative for him to mention that he plays basketball on the weekends so interviewers knew he was physically fit – a trait often associated with mental health and professional talent in our society. Incidentally, for those of you in sales, having a competitive nature is often associated with success on the job, so you might comment on winning those weekend basketball games!