Gen Y, it seems like everyone is focused on the age group of 18-30 more then ever before. The age group that are our next thought leaders and will be running our major companies and countries in the next 15 years. So why worry about them so much now, are we really in a position to fast track any of that much needed development and learning that we put a “wet behind the ears” candidate into a role that they have no experience in, and yes it does happen.
You see, I hear and read every day, that HR and recruitment folk and doing their best to understand how to attract Gen Y’ers. They are a fickle generation, the digital generation, and demand things that in all logical terms is outlandish. What makes them so wonderful that we should bow down and give them what they want. And why is it that the older, more experienced are getting pushed to the side, are all recruiters out there, middle aged men having a mid life crises and looking for the 21yo blonde?
I was listening to Lucian Tarnowski debate with Alan Whitford recently at #trulondon, and he said that Gen Y looked for stability and security in their careers – but don’t we all? That Gen Y were facing trouble’s that no other generation has experienced, but how is this different to the world wars of yesteryear or The Depression? Are these not all unique challenges? And the thinking that Gen Y are more adept at using the internet and other technologies, well i doubt that very much, the oldest person on Twitter is over 100yo and she gets by just fine.
Think back firstly when you were a child, or your own children were toddlers. Think of how many times they asked for McDonald’s or an ice-cream and how many times you said no, maybe later. Clean your room, tidy up your toys or eat your vegetables and I will think about it. That reward had to be earned. So why is everyone chasing the Gen Y candidate with such gusto? What have they done to deserve such high adulation and desire within the recruitment market.
Yes it’s true, there is an aging global population, and in 10 years time the baby boomers will be out of the market and the second “true” candidate short market will represent itself (the first being after WW2). Experience and knowledge counts for a lot in business, and hiring a 37 or 47 year old compared to a 27 year old can bring a wealth of knowledge into your business that is invaluable.
At the end of the day you need to be very careful how much of your recruitment strategy is geared towards attracting Gen Y or any particular age bracket, even a slightly age skewed message or strategy could land you in discrimination hot water. They say the mind and body is only as young as it feels, and I personally know people that have a better outlook on life and more energy and experience then people half their age.
Why we stereotype people/candidates based on their age is beyond me, should we just not be looking for the best candidate in the market regardless?
