The Advantage of Having a Multigenerational Tech Staff

Truth: There are a large amount of new graduates entering the work force.

Truth: There are a large amount of currently unemployed older/experienced workers competing for the same positions.

When it comes to new hires, companies do have anti-discrimination laws when it comes to age, but both groups can’t help but feel at a disadvantage. As Tory Johnson reported a few years back, “The new grads say they're out of luck because nobody will hire someone without experience. And the older workers are convinced that everyone wants to hire kids,” and “Since you can't change your demographic, there's no use obsessing on it. Focus on what you can control and it'll help you get hired faster.”

Many companies already do, but for those that do not, it is wise to consider having a multigenerational staff in place. With the young usually comes cutting-edge techniques, yet with the more mature comes wisdom and experience to better use those new techniques. This applies to almost any career field, but especially to the tech field, where both aspects are constantly needed. The business case for diversity has been definitively proven time and time again. Top experts and the bottom line both confirm that diverse workforces are more effective, efficient, and profitable than others. Why? Well, diverse work groups can call upon a broader spectrum of knowledge and experience when working together to solve problems. By bringing together workers from a variety of age groups, you can harness, for example, the energy and adaptability of Gen Y while also benefiting from the dependability and experience of Baby Boomers and beyond,” says one writer on the topic.

Sure, sometimes there can be clashes with diversity in place, but there are many ways around that, and a good manager is one who is well-read on dealing with how to develop a culture and community amongst the diversity. So, do not fret very much, regardless of which category you are in, because all types are needed for a healthy workplace.

If you are a new graduate, you are among so many others who are like you, with the same degree and usually the same level of experience. Employers understand that. as such, you do not have as much experience nor do you know the answers to everything. “Instead, employers will judge you on communications skills, sound judgment, personality, enthusiasm, fresh perspective, commitment to launching your career. Those are your soft skills, and they're extremely important when determining whether or not you'd be a good fit for a particular position or environment,” said Troy Johnson of ABC News. So, be sure to focus on whatever skills, experience and achievements you do have, and sell yourself as a team player. Plus, new graduates tend to be acquirable for a bit less when it comes to salary figures, so that will weigh in to the equation too.

For the more experienced workers, you come to the table with the wisdom and experience, as well as a proven track record of skills and leadership/mentoring ability. With your related experience, it often means less up-front investment by the company in order to train you, so there is savings in that fact. Plus, if you are a little flexible in the salary department in order to get in the door that can be a big plus.

In the end, while age bias is out there, and does affect many people, there are still plenty of companies that understand the advantage of a multigenerational staff, and all ages of people get hired every day. Focus on selling the strengths you have, and while still job searching, apply yourself to freshen up or learn new skills to help make you more desirable to hire. Have you signed up for your free Nexxt account and started receiving notices of positions available in your field? If not, sign up today.

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitialPhotos.net