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

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!

Sorry, But Your Parents Aren't Always Right

I have recently received notifications from parents who are thrilled their offspring have found jobs. From the sounds of their enthusiasm, you would think these kids are now employed by a prestigious organization like Google or the National Wildlife Federation.

Sadly, this is not the case. Some grads are working as rental agents, while others have taken part-time work with retailers. These jobs don't require a college degree, nor do they justify the $200K that has just been invested to set these kids up for a better life.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for paying your dues and learning the business from the ground up. However, I suspect some of these kids took these jobs without doing their homework. They probably didn't ask to speak with people who used to have the jobs. Therefore, they have no idea if their next move, within the organization, will require relocation. Many are still receiving a "paycheck" from their parents, which means they still haven't figured out they cannot survive long-term, making these kinds of wages.

Newly minted grads are advised to ignore the encouragement they may be receiving from their parents for a job well done. Instead, take a step back and look at your life. The life that you would like to build. Is the job that you are currently in going to help you get there? Is it really a stepping stone or are you being weighed down by the rock that is tied around your ankle.

I'm not suggesting that you go out and quit your job. However, I am suggesting that you begin to dream again. Go back to your alumni placement office and ask for help in finding work that is more closely aligned with your degree. Polish up your resume and prepare yourself for a full job search. Show your parents that you don't need their help in order to thrive in this world. Believe it or not, others have done this in worse economic conditions. Ask for their help and learn from their experience.

Don't discount outside help. Now that you are a bread winner, you can decide to invest in a better life. Don't be afraid to raise your hand if you need some help. Click here if you are ready to reach for your dreams again Job Search Programs .

 

When should you spend money during your entry-level job search?

Great posting today on Examiner.com on when you should spend money during your entry-level job search. The advice collected by Heather Huhman rings true regardless of age. Here's the link to the article:  http://www.examiner.com/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examiner~y2009m8d3-When-should-you-spend-money-during-your-entrylevel-job-search .

Click here to learn more about my Job Search Mentor program. Only a few openings left. http://www.yourhrexperts.com/job-search-programs.html

When should you spend money during your entry-level job search?

Heather Huhman just posted a piece on,  When should you spend money during your entry-level job search.  http://www.examiner.com/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examiner~y2009m8d3-When-should-you-spend-money-during-your-entrylevel-job-search 

The piece contains great advice for job seekers of all ages. More information on my Job Search Mentor Program can be found here:    http://www.yourhrexperts.com/job-search-programs.html

Secrets Unveiled: What Your Millennial Doesn't Want You to Know About Their Job Search

I declared last week as "Get Your Kids off the Couch Week," as a way of acknowledging the frustration many parents are now experiencing since their newly minted graduates have returned home. In today's posting, I'll unveil some of the secrets your kid isn't ready to share with you yet.

I don't really want to be a __________.

You fill in the blanks. After all, you are the one that has just gotten done paying for beauty school, college or heaven forbid, law school. Yes, that's right. Johnny or Stacey has decided this field really isn't for them. You see, this generation has been raised by parents who have told them they are special. They now believe this. So when they say they no longer want to be a lawyer and now they think they'd like to go to medical school, they expect it to be okay. Oh, and they expect that you will fund this venture as well, just like when you sent them to circus camp for the summer.

This thing called work is really going to cut into my social life

Yes, sooner or later they will have to come home before 1:00 AM in order to make it to work the next day. But right now, they simply aren't willing to trade their social life for a paycheck. What they don't understand is that eventually their friends will find employment and their new friends will be those people they've met at work. Therefore, it is really in their best interest to find a job and friends before they find themselves friendless.

I don't want to give up my flexibility

Not every job requires that you be there from 9-5. In fact, many will let you start at 10, but you'll need to stay until 6 or 7. If your child doesn't want to be stuck behind a desk from 9-5 then perhaps you can suggest they take two part-time jobs so they can break up their work day.

If you are tired of fighting with your child about this then perhaps it's time to take a new approach. In honor of "Get Your Kids off the Couch Month," (see, I've decided this is such a big deal, that we should extend it to a month,) I am offering a 10% discount for anyone who signs up for the Job Search Mentoring Program by August 31st. Just mention this offer.

Don't delay, as space is limited.  

Is This Kick Your Kids Off the Couch Week?

The honeymoon must be over. Within the last few days, I've had three parents contact me regarding their beautiful children. All three of these children come from middle-class families (maybe even upper-middle class) and have recently graduated from college. The kids are having the time of their lives this summer, even if they aren't working in their field of study. So what's the problem?

Their parents are concerned that their children are doing little if anything to look for work. I can't say I blame their parents for worrying. Summer quickly turns into Fall. At least it does here in New England. It's been nice having the kids home, but it looks like some of them are already wearing out their welcome. In an economy where jobs are tight, it's unlikely that doing little will result in job offers rolling in the door. So what's a parent to do?

Be firm - Establish a date that you will no longer provide financial support to your child. If history repeats itself, (and this did work in the seventies) you will be amazed how quickly your child jumps off the couch as the date nears.

Get off their backs - Nagging didn't work when they were little and it won't work now. Trust me when I tell you that they will be motivated when they either don't have a place to stay, run out of money or watch their friends move on with their lives, while they still live in the bedroom they grew up in.

Lend a hand - Most likely you are not an expert in job searching in the new economy. If you can still remember typing out individual cover letters and putting postage on the envelopes that contained your resume then it's time to bring in the experts.

You have two choices. Contact the alumni placement office at your child's former school (better yet, let them call) and inquire about the types of services that are available to your child. Or give your child a departing gift. One that will last them a lifetime. Hire a Job Search Mentor or Coach to move them along in their search. Think it's too much money? Run the numbers. Food, laundry, new couch, rent etc. This will be the best gift you give yourself. The gift of peace of mind.

Just When You Thought Things Couldn't Get Worse

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that the American economy shed 467,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, its highest level in 26 years. Depressing? Yes. Makes you want to ask for a life line. If only life were a game show.

Many Americans are going to give up on their job search after they hear this news. Others will recognize this means they have to kick their job searches up a notch. Here are some tips for those of you who fall into the second group.

Unplug - Step away from your computers and start making real connections. Most of 875 people you have listed on Facebook are not really your friends, nor will they be of much assistance in your search. Instead, start setting up face-to-face meetings with people who can connect you with hiring managers.

Take the chip off your shoulder - The only person that cares that you've been out of work for 18 months is you. There isn't a person on the planet who is not aware of what is going on the economy. Be prepared to say what you've been doing during your period of unemployment and move on.

Invest - It may seem counter-intuitive to spend money when you are out of work. But what if this investment gave you a return that was life-long, instead of the buzz you just received from drinking your Starbucks latte? Investing in a Job Search Mentor and a new interview suit is money well spent.

Job searching in this economy is like running a marathon. You need to pace yourself so that you make it to the finish line. When you do, be sure to extend your hand and help someone else over the finish line. Together, we can get people back to work.