INTERVIEWING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS By Cindy Ridley, Recruiter, automationtechies.com

Today there is a multigenerational mix in the workforce including you as the candidate and those that are conducting your interviews.

Communication between the generations in the workplace seems to be at a low point. Gen Y or Millennials (defined as people born after 1982) think Gen X (born between 1961 and 1981) are a bunch of cynical slackers. Gen X sees Gen Y as fun-seeking and entitled. And everyone thinks the Baby Boomers (1946 to 1960) are self-absorbed workaholics and technologically incompetent. They all think each other are whiners!

You, the GenX or GenY candidate, may be talking to a Baby Boomer as a potential employer or as a member of the selection process. You may not be seen as ‘loyal’ by this Baby Boomer conducting the interview, but you have just as good a work ethic and also seek success and challenge in your next career move. You may not be ready to make a long-term commitment, but you do have goals and as long as there is challenging work and learning involved, you are committed to the cause. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer who will be investing in your talent and potential and is not planning on your quick departure.

You, the Gen Y, may be thought of as ‘spoiled’ and having a short attention span in the face of a new boss. Remember, be simultaneously respectful and savvy while offering your opinions during an interview.

You, the Baby-boomer, interviewing with a GenX or GenY recruiter or hiring manager, may be seen as a rigid workaholic. You may need to express that you also want to be part of the team and that you still have goals and want interesting work.

Technology is another flashpoint. In a survey conducted by job site CareerBuilder last year, nearly half of Generation Y’s preference to communicate are through blogs, IMs and text messages, rather than on the phone or face to face methods preferred by Boomers and Generation X. Technologically facilitated communication can feel abrupt and easily be misunderstood by Boomers and Gen X-ers. If in doubt, ask the person making the hiring decision how they prefer to be communicated to.

If you want to transcend all generations, you can always make a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” reference in your interview!