You can get a job!

A recent 60 Minutes’ report on today’s “Millennium” generation has created quite a stir in the corporate world.

The gist of the entire segment was that young adults these days (19-27 year-olds) want to earn a living only on their own terms, which means having a flippant attitude towards management, rules and corporate structure. In my company alone, there have been literally dozens of memos handed down from senior management attempting to give us front line managers the tools needed to reign-in this new crop of “spoiled kids.” 

Here’s a quote from the 60 Minutes print story to sum up how many employers view those of you who belong to the Millennium Generation:

“Faced with new employees who want to roll into work with their iPods and flip flops around noon, but still be CEO by Friday, companies are realizing that the era of the buttoned down exec happy to have a job is as dead as the three-Martini lunch. “

Interestingly enough, the story ran on Veteran’s Day 2007. I thought it ironic for 60 minutes to be running such a story on this particular holiday. It makes me think of all the Millennium Generation 20-somethings sitting in sand bunkers in Iraq right now: something tells me that they are not as flighty and lazy when it comes to their workplace. Telling their boss what time they want to arrive at work would earn them a quick trip to a court martial. Is CBS somehow using this as a strike at our troops? What’s more, all things being equal, the big advantage the military has over most corporate workplaces is LEADERSHIP.

I am of the belief that 20-somethings today are no different than those of my era (the 1980s) or those of the Baby Boomer era (the 1960s)… the label “Millennium Generation” changes nothing. The truth is, if you are a manager in today’s corporate society, and you feel disdain or frustration towards young workers; it is you who have a problem and need some coaching on true leadership. It may actually be time for you to put yourself out to pasture. In contrast, if you are young, vibrant and ready for the world,  it would serve you to take a step back from your FaceBook profile and learn a little something from that dinosaur, or you may well end up like him in another 20 years.

There is nothing new under the sun when it comes to genuine leadership and solid people skills. Employees will follow someone successful whether he is wearing a 3-button business suit, or cutoffs and Teva’s with a tank top. In fact, followers will emulate their leader if he carries himself correctly. Whether you know it or not, you all (no matter what your age) are influenced by someone, and most times, it’s someone you emulate or want to model yourself after.

In the coming months, I will write more on this subject. I will teach you old grumps to adapt with the changing times, as well as help you Millennials learn to cope with those above who appear as relics.

Together, we can do wonderful things by combining the wisdom of experience, with the freshness of bright ideas and technological prowess. I know, because I employ 36 Millennials right now, and I cherish everyone of them! (but I have to admit, they have given me early grays on my head at my young age of 35!)

I will leave you with this ageless quote:  “A Leader is someone who instills within the heart of the follower, a desire to follow.”

Your comments are welcome! (no matter what your age)

I just completed an article that I refer to on this blog as a “foundation article” that gives my opinions on standing out to your perspective employer. There are times when that is a good thing, and times when it could jeopardize your chances for getting hired.

For now, you need to read it and get a feel for the terminology I use because I will refer to it often. It is so important, that I have given it a separate page on the blog so it remains at the top and doesn’t get buried in the archives.

Check it out: : “Beige or Bright”

You and I know that you are a superior employee . We know that you show up everyday on time and go above and beyond in everything you accomplish; you are a supervisor’s dream… but… when sending in your resume for that new position you’re seeking, you never even get a called for a phone screen or interview; …why? (This tip should resonate with anyone looking for a job or hiring perspective applicants.) 

I do most of my recruiting through online means, and require applicants email a resume and cover letter to me for review prior to phone screening and actual interviews. I think a lot of employers do this because it is quick and easy, and is most times, linked right in with CareerBuilder or another online recruiting website.

With that in mind, here’s a tip for you job seekers: Your email address makes an impression, so make it professional. There are times when you want to stand out to your perspective employer, but your email address is NOT one of them!

Here are some examples of applicant email addresses that I have received over the years: (last part changed to protect the foolish! )

pimpstockings @ asdf . com

bigtuna19 @ asdf .com 

screwedup @ asdf.com

legalizethis @ asdf.com

yourmomsamilf @ asdf.com

sexyhotlilmaiden @ asdf.com

mrballs @ asdf.com

batmanundercover @ asdf.com

suckonthis1979 @ asdf.com

eatmebeeotch @ asdf.com

lilpartier @ asdf.com

bustamovie @ asdf.com

gogogettayo @ asdf.com

These are just a few. Keep in mind, I am hiring people who will represent my company to the public. I also want someone who will be able to get along with my current employees and managers… I think a guy with an email address like “suckonthis1979″ might have some sort of talent, but I certainly wouldn’t want him around my secretary now would I?

I realize the examples above are quite extreme, but your email address can also create other types of impressions that could be negative. Let’s pretend that your name is John Jackson. If you use an email address of: MrJackson@ asdf.com you might also make an unfavorable impression about yourself. Someone seeing that could think you are snobbish or too formal.

“Just who does this guy think he is referring to himself as ‘Mr’ in his email address,” is what some employers might think.

I realize that this may be nit-picking, but remember, you are applying for the job and your main goal is to get the interview. Anything up until that time is window-dressing. I want you to think “beige” when you choose and email address. “Beige” is a non-offensive color. It does not turn anyone off. It is just plain. That’s how your email address should be. There will be time later for you to show off all your bright and extravagant talents, but for now, when it comes to an email address, let’s just be beige so we can appeal to the biggest segment of the market. Got it?

So, if your name is John Jackson, I would recommend an email address of JohnJackson @ asdf.com. That is very simple and beige. If you can’t get your exact name like that in a Yahoo or Gmail account, then add something non-descript to it like JohnJackson1 @ asdf.com.  Whatever you do, DO NOT use your birth year in the email address as that can also hurt your chances and conjure a negative image to the perspective employer.

I know that some of this sounds discriminatory or petty, but remember, you want the job. That is our main goal here and it starts with a plain-Jane email address that is used to deliver that all important shining resume!

Your comments are welcome.

You CAN Get a Job! Confessions of a Middle Manager is all about helping you navigate today’s employment marketplace. I’ll give you practical advice on everything from job searching, to interviewing and beyond. For those of you who already have a secure job, I’ll give you tools you can use to navigate up the job ladder, or just exist peacefully where you are; it’s your choice. Corporate life is NOT ALL BAD; you just have to work it to your advantage.

I’ll also have specific articles geared towards my fellow “middle managers” as well as those of you who consider yourself of “executive” level. No matter what your situation or position in life, from recent grad to nearing retirement, there are some simple lessons you all need that we may produce results and revenue through every link in the chain. You can be happy in your job, and I’ll help you find your niche.

As for me, I can’t reveal my name or identity because my employer would frown upon much of the information I plan to reveal.  I can tell you that my company is listed in the Fortune 500, does more than $1 billion in annual revenue, and consistently drops 25+ % of that to the bottom, year-after-year.

I am but a small fish in this big pond, as I oversee about $2.5 million of the marketing revenue and expense. This entails recruiting, hiring, training and promoting nearly 40 employees each year. Though my title is very much mid-level management, I am very well known across the enterprise as a mover and shaker. I’ve found this notoriety to be both positive and negative, but have learned to work it to my advantage.

I also did a 4-year stint in the US Air Force where I worked in Public Affairs. There I learned to rub elbows with everyone from the newly enlisted recruits to the wealthy civilian supporters who worked closely with us in our local communities.

In addition, I am a trained pastor with extensive experience in Youth Ministry. In this regard, I understand the challenges faced by employers looking to find young talent raised within the confines of the “Millennium Generation.” I will be giving you my unique perspectives on the state of the job world and how seasoned professionals (you old dogs) can work in harmony with young up-in-comers and grow together.

Long story short, those of us in Middle Management have a unique viewpoint looking both above and below. We are on the frontlines, but also in the rear making policy. I believe that any successful venture must have its own unique balance between power and leadership and desire and followship: middle managers are the ones who hold this balance in their everyday interactions with members from every step in the ladder.
I am blunt, I am candid, and I am confessing what I know. Please join me and feel free to leave your own unique perspectives in the comment section of each post or article. We all have something to learn or teach, and this is the place to share it.
“The Boss”