Boomers vs Millennials

The battle between baby boomers and millennials in the workplace has almost become legendary in the past decade. Baby boomers call out millennials for being coddled and lazy, while millennials label boomers as stodgy and technologically illiterate. The reality is every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best organizations have boomers and millennials working together to bolster each other for the good of the business.

If you're a job seeker who falls into the baby boomer or millennial category, you might be worried that hiring managers and interviewers will have preconceived notions about your capabilities. Resist the temptation to downplay your age. Instead, focus on the strengths of your generation, and how they can work within the organization to grow and improve the business. Here are a few strategies to show prospective employers how you can shine.

Baby Boomers

Focus your resume on your dedication and perseverance. If you put in many years at a single organization, emphasize your loyalty to your prior organization. Share ways that you showed resourcefulness when times were tough, and how your stability helped turn tough times around. A long work history grows wisdom, so point out your willingness to share that wisdom with the younger generation. Baby boomers are the perfect employees to lead up mentoring programs showing workers with less experience the value of dedication.

Millennials

Highlight your ability to innovate and learn new technology fast. If you have a history of handling multiple responsibilities quickly and successfully, emphasize your multitasking skills. Show a willingness to learn, and let interviewers see the fun side of your personality. Being able to lighten the mood benefits everyone in the department, while a willingness to share your favorite technology tips across the team can balance out your need for training in other areas.

Boomers and Millennials Together

Members of both generations need to be ready to tell about times they collaborated with others outside their own age group. Generational diversity provides greater opportunities for innovation and better insight into the needs of a wider variety of consumers. When job seekers have a genuine interest in cross-generational partnerships, it shows maturity and a willingness to let go of traditional expectations and move creatively into the future. The right attitude can help interviewers see you as a well-rounded individual instead of a stereotypical representative of your generation.

With many baby boomers intending to work to age 70 and more millennials entering the workforce every year, both generations must learn to work together. Baby boomers need to share best practices learned through decades of work, and millennials need to provide technological support and innovation to help older workers move into a better work-life balance. By joining forces, both generations can help businesses grow to new heights for the benefit of everyone.

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