Employer Misconceptions about Millennials
PR professionals and communicators know all too well about the power of perception and how it can get in the way of a realistic assessment of a situation. Millennials, for example, have received a reputation in today’s workforce as individuals with an overwhelming sense of entitlement and an underwhelming work ethic. As these misconceptions become engraved in employers’ heads, it can become harder for a qualified Millennial candidate to obtain work.
After reading some of the common misconceptions about Millennials, some research was done to see how much truth is behind these beliefs. Here are a few of the common misconceptions debunked and the findings may surprise you:
All Millennials rely on social media to stay informed
Although Millennials use computers to communicate with their social circles, this does not mean that everyone enjoys using social media to stay informed. Using social media is a way to remain connected and companies are now posting breaking information this way, but many Millennials still get news from traditional sources such as newspapers, television and word of mouth. Although Millennials are tech savvy, it is important to remember they are also resourceful in gathering information outside of social media.
All Millennials are lazy and self-entitled
Yes, there are some Millennials out there who reflect the stereotype of the lethargic computing society we live in today, but there are also many that put in long hours to prove their worth to employers. Those who work hard understand the fundamentals of business and know that experience is one of the biggest factors of professional advancement. Many will research, write and produce work that is above the expectations of bosses, helping set themselves apart from other entry-level Millennials.
Millennials are easily swayed by trends
Not every Millennial is swayed by trends like Angry Birds, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and selfies. Many Millennials are taking part in internships, volunteering and participating in organizations to fill the time in their days with activities that build on the real world experience employers’ desire. Realizing that each Millennial is different will help older generations recognize the potential of every individual and add talent to their office.
These are just a few of the misconceptions about Millennials that stood out the most, but more can be found here: