Generation Integration: Roberta Matuson Unites Boomers, X-ers and Millennials in the Workplace

Is it the Economy or is it You?

I went to a holiday party last night and caught up with a few neighbors who have daughters around the same age. One neighbor's daughter graduated this year and is gainfully employed as a nurse and another has a daughter who will be graduating in June. She has two offers in hand and has chosen to work for a firm in Boston and will begin in June of 2010. This got me thinking about the parents that I've encountered whose children have graduated within the last year or so who are either unemployed or severely under-employed. Is it the economy or is it the child or in some cases the parent?

Here are some questions worth considering:

1. Am I doing my child a favor by allowing them to live rent-free when they should be able to make enough money to at least cover the rent?
2. Am I doing this because it's best for my child or because I'm not ready to let go?
3. Is my child really actively seeking employment or has he, like so many others, simply given up?
4. How can I best support my child through this difficult period?
5. Would my child be more responsive if I wasn't trying to be a mother/father and a coach?

Difficult questions to answer, particularly as we near the holidays. But these are the types of conversations that need to happen between parents and their children.

Ready to let go? Click here to learn more about our Job Search Programs. Take advantage of our holiday offering of 10% off our fees. Space is limited so don't delay.

Interview Tips on How to Be "Perceived" as 10 Years Younger than You Really Are on an Interview

I recently came across an excerpt from Stephen Viscusi's book, Bulletproof your Job. Steve doesn't sugar coat anything here. He just calls it as he sees it. Read the entire article and use the parts you agree with to improve your chances of getting hired in this tough economy, where perception is reality.

How old an impression do you make when you're interviewing? Not "just" the way you look. Of course, we all know that your boss can look up your age in your personnel file, or an interviewer can just count backwards from the year of graduation printed on your resume. However, here's is the truth: "perception" is the new reality, like 60 is the new 50. So you need to learn the fine art of being "perceived" as younger, through conversation and dialogue, as well as looking younger. I want to address both, since that is the most frequently asked topics, readers e-mail me about. Is this fair? Is it even legal? And most importantly, should you give in to such nonsense? I'll put it this way: if you are over 40, you need to read on.

During a "recession", bosses can use that magic "R" word as a blank check to fire almost anyone for any reason. And pay attention, over-40s: the wounded economy is an especially perfect opportunity for higher-ups to fire those senior workers whose high salaries and big egos have outlasted their welcome.

Then, for those who are unemployed, you must do whatever it takes to convey to hiring managers that you are employable. What does this mean? No one wants to hire someone who's stuck in the old-fashioned way of thinking that being qualified, working hard, and being loyal to a company is enough. Your Princeton degree and enviable references won't get you far if you're that naïve.

So back to the age thing. While many workers have learned that good looks and a polished appearance go a long way toward success in the workplace, too many of them fail to realize that cultivating the perception of youth and a high energy attitude is an equally important part of the equation for baby boomers. It's no secret that we live in an age-obsessed society. Like it or not, "Interviewing Younger" is the new catchphrase.

"Interviewing Younger" and being perceived as more youthful at the office is a vocabulary, a body language, and a look. And here's a secret: these rules apply EVEN MORE when your boss is your age or even older. It's not like you are following these rules to impress a young person. Whatever the age of your boss or interviewer, you need to create a youthful perception about you. Otherwise, there's someone else waiting in the wings with quicker computer skills and contemporary pop culture knowledge that will be all too happy to fill your shoes.

So how do you do it? I reveal here some of the secrets, that I give in my book, "Bulletproof Your Job" (HarperCollins). But for those know-it-alls who have yet to buy my book (and by the way, it's the type of book you should keep in your desk at all times to remind yourself how to hold onto your job while everyone around you is losing theirs), here is my holiday gift to you.

Be forewarned, I mix in the shallow "looks" tip's, that seem to enrage woman the most--along with the "attitude one--some of this may seem tongue and cheek, or counter intuitive, either way--they work!

Rule #1: " Crest" Brand- White Strips. Yup, this is a shallow, cosmetic-based tip. But I get so many letters from people who just don't understand that having coffee-stained teeth doesn't do you any favors in the interview department. Stop rolling your eyes, go buy the strips (use the store brand for all I care - I'm not picky), and whiten those teeth. Then SMILE. Smiling makes you look and feel younger - not bitter, old, and unemployed. I don't care if you really are bitter, old, and unemployed. It's about perception, remember?

Rule #2: If you are over 40, I want you on Facebook or LinkedIn today. No friends? You already have one: just Facebook me. If you don't know how to join, let your kids show you, or even better, have a young person at work "reverse mentor" you on how it works. Let that same person help you choose your profile picture. No drunken debauchery, please.

Rule #3: Know about and frequently use Google, BING, Yahoo, ASK and Wikipedia. Bookmark them on your computer and set one as your homepage.

Rule #4: Watch an episode of "Family Guy." Discuss. Repeat.

Rule #5: Peruse your local Apple store. At least learn the difference between an iPod Classic, iPod Touch, and iPod Nano and you're on your way. And buy a set of those identifiable white headphones to keep around, even if you don't have the iPod to go with them. It's all about perception.

Rule #6: Don't talk about how you're so addicted to Starbucks, Coffee Bean, or whatever your coffee place of choice is. It seems like this would make you appear younger, but it won't. Spending your day at Starbucks screams "unemployed loser," and ever since Michael Gates Gill wrote "Starbucks Saved My Life", the average age of their customers must have shot up dramatically. (By the way, Michael is a friend of mine who I met at a book fair. He's a lovely man who wrote a terrific book, but he's 68 and well... let's just say that Starbucks is a very early 2000 sort of Devil Wears Prada.) Besides, you should never walk into an interview with a coffee cup, especially since you just whitened those teeth.

Rule #7: Pick up a copy of "Entertainment Weekly" before an interview. But for God's sake, don't take it in with you and don't let anyone see you reading it. That said, nothing gets you more up to date on the youthful world of pop culture like an issue of "EW".

Rule #8: Learn how to "text". TWITTER and Skype

Rule #9: Young people get their news online - they don't read newspapers. So don't carry one into an interview with you or be seen reading it at the office like someone's mom or dad.

Rule #10: Make eye contact- and use my famous Viagra handshake (learn all about it in my book, "Bulletproof Your Job" (HarperCollins). Eye contact is so critical to being perceived as young; don't be afraid to use it. Speaking of eyes--COSIDER CONTACTS!

Rule #11: Rarely refer to your children, never your grandchildren, and never ever your great-grandchildren.

Rule #12: Go to the gym... or at least say that you do.

Rule #13: Never talk about the 80s or 90s, and never use words from "your day." Nothing at work is groovy, dy-no-mite, or tubular. Ever.

Rule #14: Get a TiVo or DVR, or at least know how they work.

Rule #15: Practice "sounding young" on the phone. Take a small survey of how old you sound on the phone, and then practice with a friend sounding younger (a tip: talk higher and peppier). This is critical. In the same vein, make sure your outgoing voicemail message isn't too long or boring. Short and sweet with a positive attitude is all you need.

Rule #16: Dress is very important: always dress age-appropriate. No 40+ man should be wearing an Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt, and no 40+ woman should be sporting a skimpy halter top (and these items should never be worn to work, no matter what your age).

Rule #17: Give your hairstyle a long, hard look. No wonder there are so many makeover shows! My advice is to ask an outsider his or her opinion. Someone who loves you won't want to hurt your feelings, or may love your look for sentimental or romantic reasons, but sadly that won't help you find a job. Bad coloring jobs spells disaster for both men and women, and let's face it, hair weaves for men rarely work. Men, don't go overboard on finding a new hairstyle - just clip your nose and ear hair and you're on the right track. Ladies, pluck or bleach facial hair - it's never good at any age, but for the over 40 set; it will scream menopause way before you've even reached it. And, men-the Goatee-Van Dyke thing-just screams, "I have been unemployed a LONG time. Shave it, and if you grew it because your bald, as a decoy. Guess what? You are still bald!

Rule #18: Skip the cologne and excessive perfume. And while we're on the subject, wear deodorant. You may laugh, but many people just don't do it.

Rule #19: Do not "Block" your Phone. It just screams that you have bill collectors after you, and no perspective employer need to call twice. They have plenty of options.

Rule #20: Have your e-mail address on your resume, you would be surprised how many people don't. Okay... feel any younger, or just berated?

Trust me, I just took 15 years off the way you come across. Yeah, some things I talk about here are cosmetic, but most are not. It's all about perception...and perception is the new reality.

About the Author: Stephen Viscusi

Twitter Stephen@workplaceguru
Facebook and LinkedIn Stephen @ "Stephen Viscusi"
Stephen Viscusi is the host of the upcoming TV show "The Headhunter From Hell".

Stephen is the founder of www.bulletproofyourresume.com and Stephen is the author of the HarperCollins book "Bulletproof Your Job" published in 9 languages. He can be reached at Stephen@viscusi.com.

Knowing When It's Time to Fold

Rumor has it that Tiger Woods' wife is filing for divorce right after the holidays. I can't say I blame her. She is the one who will have to look her kids in the eyes for the next 20, 40 or even 60 years and explain her decision. You see, trust has been broken (ok, in this case it's been shattered) and sometimes there is no going back.

Many of us hang on way longer than we should. We stay in jobs, even though our boss promised that he would restore salary cuts way back in June and nothing has happened since. We've stood by our boss as he has promoted someone less qualified to a position that we were promised. We even believe it when our co-worker apologizes for the third time after he has once again taken credit for our work.

A new year is around the corner, which seems to me to be the perfect time to re-evaluate where we are and where we are heading. I know this might not be the perfect time to seek new opportunities (believe me, there never will be a perfect time), but that doesn't mean you should settle. For a limited time only (December 31st to be exact) I am reducing my fees by 10% for anyone who signs up for my Job Search Program and pays in full by year-end. Plus you'll get in before any rate increases in 2010.

This is the perfect gift to give yourself or a loved one that has struggled over the past year to find meaningful work. There is no better gift to receive than the gift of financial independence.

Space is limited, so don't delay.

Happy Holidays!

Roberta

How to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

I don't know about you, but it's only December 9th and I'm exhausted. The stress of the holidays is enough to make a grown woman call a caterer. I think the people who celebrate Christmas are a bit more fortunate as you guys only have one day to plan for. Try figuring out how to acknowledge a holiday that goes on for eight days!

I'm cutting back on all the hoopla this year. This seems like the perfect year to do so as people expect a lot less extravaganza, due to the economy. Here's what I'm doing to reduce the holiday stress around my house. Hopefully this will provide you with a few ideas to do the same so you can sit back and enjoy life as it was meant to be lived.

I've reduced my gift-giving list- I hope you are not disappointed if you don't receive a gift from me this year. I'm betting most won't even notice will all the other presents sitting under the tree or the menorah. I figure when you get to be a certain age, you pretty much have what you need. If you don't, you'd rather pick it out yourself so why should I put you through the motions of pretending you are ecstatic to receive a gift you are seriously considering re-gifting.

We are giving back rather than giving to each other- This has been a tough year for charities. That's why my children have elected to donate one of their Chanukah gifts this year to Heifer International. They will be buying a flock of chickens so that children, who are less fortunate, can add nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets. Seems like a more sustainable gift than another set of Lego's.

I'm setting realistic expectations for my business during the month of December - Rather than running around trying to book last minute appointments, I am spending that time working on marketing projects that have been in the hopper for quite a long time. I feel better already knowing that I am not adding more items to an all ready full to-do-list.

Just saying no! - I'm usually the first to volunteer to take on projects at my children's school or when someone asks me for help. I'm letting others take their turn at bat. I figure if I don't keep raising my hand, eventually someone else will.

Granting myself permission to chill - It's hard to sit back when you are a Type A personality, but this is exactly what I've given myself permission to do over the holiday break. I'm going to read a book, go to a movie and not feel guilty about shifting my attention from work.

The holiday season will be gone in a flash. What are you doing to savor these last moments of what has been a tough year? Please add your comments in the Comment Section below.

Does Your Recent College Grad Really Need Another Sweater This Christmas?

How many of you are struggling to figure out what to give your child, who is a recent grad, for the holidays this year? High up on their lists might be items like i-phones, Kindles and perhaps even cold hard cash. If you pick items from this list, chances are they won't even remember what you bought this this time next year. Now what if you gave them a gift that keeps on giving year after year?

As my holiday gift to you, I am offering you a chance to provide your child with the gift of financial independence. That's right, I will work directly with your recent college grad to help them accelerate their job search so they can create the life they envisioned when they entered college. Now before you say that your child doesn't need any help, ask yourself the following:

• Is my child happy in their current job?
• Are they gaining valuable experience that they will be able to use when they move on from this position?
• Is my child being paid fairly for their contribution?
• Is this the life my child envisioned he or she would have when they invested four years of their life in college?
• Has our investment in their education given my child the advantages we envisioned when we began saving for their college fund?
• Would my child's life be better off if they learned now the valuable skills of how to find in job in any economy or should I use this money instead to pay for yet another month of their rent?

In today's NY Times, it was noted that hiring has begun to pick up. However, The Times predicts that over 18 million people will be scrambling to jam themselves through a door that will only accommodate a few! Where in this line will your child be?

I know money is tight in this economy. That's why I'm willing to discount my fees by 10% for anyone who is accepted into my program and pays in full by December 31, 2009. By doing so, you will also lock in the rates we are offering for 2009. I'm also willing to extend this offer to you as well. After all, you have to put your own oxygen mask on first, before you can help others.

To find out more, click here I'm interesting in learning more! Spaces are limited so that I can provide my clients with the attention they deserve to boost their earning potential in 2010!

Happy Holidays!

Pay Parity

I picked up a copy of People magazine the other day only to find out that in many cases, there is still the perception that men are worth more than women. Gheez fellows, you would think in the year 2009, we'd have put this behind us, but pay differences still exist.

Here is a shiny example. Country superstar Taylor Swift and New Moon star Taylor Lautner, (who happen to be dating), will be reunited on toy shelves next spring. Swift will sell for $19.99, including guitar, while Lautner's doll will retail for $24.95. What's wrong with this picture?

Are we continuing to reinforce the message that men are worth more than their female counterparts? I certainly hope Swift's people put up a stink and give this year's Entertainer of the Year the price tag she deserves!

Holiday Party Tips For This Year's Office Gathering

I've seen more careers hit the skids during the holiday times than any other time of the year. Here's why. Employees, (particularly younger employees), mistakenly believe that it's ok to let your guard down and have fun during the holiday festivities. I'm not saying that it's not ok to have some fun. However, I would suggest you save your heavy partying for the gathering that you will be having with friends later on in the season.

Here are some tips to ensure that you are able to return to the office with the same status that you arrived with.

• Limit your drinking-One, maybe two drinks at the most. I know, it's free booze and who in this economy couldn't use a free drink? Anything more and you may not be fully in control of your faculties. If you are still thirsty after hitting your limit, switch over to a club soda.

• Keep your dance moves in check-Dancing erotically to Beyonce's, "Single Ladies" may get lots of laughs, but think of how you'll be perceived the next day when you are the talk of the office. It's difficult to be seen as someone who has high potential if you are forever remembered as the person who took over the dance floor.

• Leave the cleavage at home-I love holiday dresses. So sexy and sparkly. Makes a gal want to dance the night away and in some cases, do crazy things. If you want to buy a sexy dress for the holidays, then be sure you have a jacket you can put over it for the office party. This is not the time nor the place to be mistaken for one of Santa's cute little elves.

• Don't drag your spouse if they don't want to go-Not everyone feels comfortable in a social setting where they don't know many people. If your spouse doesn't want to attend, give them permission to take a pass. You'll be glad you did. 

• Don't be  the last to leave-The party may be great, but know when it's time to go. Never be the last one to leave or you will be known as the guy or gal who closed the party down.

Anyone willing to share lessons they've learned from holiday gatherings that didn't go as planned?

Giving Thanks

It's the time of year when we take a few moments to think about what we are grateful for. Besides, family, friends and my health, I am particularly grateful that there are differences in the generations. Think of how boring life would be if we were all the same.

I am grateful that my children are learning how to use computers before they have mastered the art of cursive writing. Why? Because I am quite proficient with my cursive handwriting. It's the technology piece that I could use a bit of help with. So much so that I just purchased a new Mac and have signed up for lessons so I can figure out how to be one of those happy Mac users I see in the commercials.

I am grateful that The Traditionalists have kept us grounded through this recession. Many have been raised during the depression and are there to remind us that we will survive this recession, even if we have to drive our three-year old car one more year.

I'm thankful that the Gen Xer's are waiting patiently for the Boomers to retire so they can experience the view from the corner office. I believe these employees are forcing Boomers to continue to play their "A" game.

I am thankful that I am a Boomer. All those years competing to make it in this world have made me what I am today. Now if I could just chill out a bit, I would be able to achieve work/life balance.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and don't forget to save room for dessert!

Class of 2013

I'm a huge fan of Beloit College's annual mindset list, which is published in late August. It provides a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students in college who are scheduled to graduate in particular year. In this case, the year is 2013. Most of these students were born in the year 1991.

Here are my top 10 favorites from this year's list:

1. The Green Giant has always been Shrek, not the big guy picking vegetables.
2. They have never used a card catalog to find a book.
3. Salsa has always outsold ketchup.
4. Text has always been hyper
5. They have never had to “shake down” an oral thermometer.
6. Except for the present incumbent, the President has never inhaled.
7. Women have always outnumbered men in college.
8. Everyone has always known what the evening news was before the Evening News came on.
9. There has always been blue Jell-O.
10. There has always been a computer in the Oval Office.

Still think there is no need to increase understanding across the generations?

Four Myths About Mature Workers

I had the pleasure of speaking this afternoon to a group of professionals in the museum industry who were attending the New England Museum Association's annual conferece. As part of the discussion, I shared with them four myths about mature workers. I welcome you to use the comment section to add your own myths to this list.

1. Mature workers are not interested in taking on new challenges-WRONG! One of the top reasons mature workers leave their employers is because there appears to be no place to go.

2. They can't adapt to technology-Really? Tell that to the sixty-something year old lady that I saw text messaging the other day or the mature woman in the audience today who just bought herself an I-phone.

3. They lack stamina-Have you seen Bruce Springsteen in concert lately or Mick Jagger (who happens to be 66)? Both of these guys have more stamina than a high school track team. Still think mature workers lack energy?

4. They won't want to work for a younger boss-Many already do. Tell you what. You don't ask them their age and they won't ask you yours!

It's time to toss these myths out the window and work towards building a more inclusive workplace. Wouldn't you agree?