Whether we like it or not, stereotypes often exist, including stereotypes of generational differences in the workplace. We hear about Generation Y and their tendencies to speak their mind, multitask rather than focus on a given job, and act seemingly entitled. But we also hear positive associations attributed to Gen Y, regarding their technological savvy and commitment to volunteerism. Regardless if these behaviors and actions are true of you currently or are notably associated with your generation, the following tasks are quickly becoming acceptable and proven methods in assisting your job search:
Volunteer your way to a job. The places to volunteer and possibilities when volunteering are endless! First and foremost, volunteering is a way to network. Do not underestimate the power to increase your circle of contacts. These networks can directly or indirectly find you a job—whether it’s recommending you on LinkedIn or employing you later on him or herself. Volunteering also provides you with much-needed transferable skills. Want project management experience? Join your condo’s board of directors or a committee. Want to supplement your liberal arts major? Volunteer at your religious institution or tutor at a local school. Looking for any meaningful way to serve your community? You can find opportunities here: http://www.serve.gov/.
If you’re not employed, you should be able to volunteer for at least 8 hours a week in something that interests you. Hiring managers often question resumes that have gaps in employment, and you can easily fix those gaps by including your volunteering work in the Experience section. Resume keywords that volunteering can provide you: Project Management, Finance, Collaborated, Supervised, Executed, Conceptualized, Spearheaded, etc.
Blog your way to a job. If you like to write, want a job in communications, or are an expert in a topic, there is no reason why you can’t start a blog. You don’t have to be employed to write a blog nor pay a fee to use a blog service; you can create a blog on sites like www.blogspot.com, www.bloggerminds.com, www.wordpress.com. You can then submit your blogs onto services like www.digg.com or www.stumbleupon.com. Post your blogs onto your Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter profiles. Make sure you proofread what you have written; and, keep in mind, if you attach your name to a blog, there will be often be search visibility of the blog attached to your name on Google. If there is anything that can be potentially embarrassing or would prevent you from getting the job you want, think twice before posting it. Resume keywords that blogging can provide you: Readership, Viewership, Subscribers, Composed, Created, Achieved, etc.
Twitter/Facebook/Linked In/“Insert Social Media Name Here” your way to a job. Gen Y is known as the Facebook Generation. A study from the Participatory Marketing Network reveals that 99% of 18 to 24-year-olds have at least one active profile on a social networking site. Use your ability and understanding of social media to your advantage! Facebook allows you to search for company names through the Search bar, and you are likely to then find a Fan Page of a company to interact with. LinkedIn has the Search Companies feature, which can help enable you to find the name of a hiring manager. Twitter is brimming with companies you can follow and create conversations with. Looking for other social networks to connect with? Dan Schawbel of www.mashable.com has created a list of the top 10 social networks for Generation Y. Some of the sites include those that bridge the power of social media and blogging, such as www.brazencareerist.com. With social media outlets, you can provide some visibility to your name to a company representative by providing some intelligent, insightful feedback or conversation. Or take it to the next level: volunteer your social media services to promote a company that you admire and/or aspire to work for. Even if the company doesn’t pay you, the company can pay you back with a glowing recommendation or eventual employment. You can learn more about how to use social media outlets in your job search here. Resume keywords that social media experience can provide you (many of them can be the same as blogging experience): Readership, Viewership, Created, Achieved, Garnered, Traffic, etc.