Tables Turn for Gen-Y
As the labour market begins to tighten and competition for roles increases, Gen Yers facing their first experience of a recession will have to become more flexible and responsive to the demands of employers, according to leading recruitment agency Kelly Services.
“For some time, the newest generation at work have had the luxury of choice when it comes to finding the job they like the most – or moving on to one that suits them better,” says Kelly Senior Director and Country General Manager Steve Kennedy.
“Now with a tighter job market – particularly in the more in-demand professions – Gen Y candidates will have to ensure they are making the most of their skills, technical abilities and enthusiasm to present themselves as the best choice for employers.”
Kelly Services, a world leader in human resources solutions with a network of agencies in 33 countries, has just commissioned “Gen Y @ Work”, a comprehensive study of the generation born between 1978 and 1995. The report includes a guide for attracting, recruiting and retaining Gen Y employees.
“Gen Y are the future leaders of industry and the key to long term business growth and development,” says Steve Kennedy.
“But while employers loved their energy, drive and skills when they first entered the workplace, over time managers have struggled to understand how to motivate and retain Gen Y employees.”
“As candidates during a skills shortage, they may have been able to move between roles fairly quickly. However, as they face their first experience of a major recession, Gen Y candidates may need to find more ways to market themselves, and ensure employers can see the value they will bring to their organisation – even if it means staying in a role longer than they are used to.”
Steve Kennedy suggests the under-30s combine some of the traditional techniques of successful employment candidates, such as professional C.V.s, good presentation, and strong communication abilities, with some of the things Gen Yers excel at, like creativity and relationship building.
“The social networking phenomenon that this generation has created may really come into play now too – as networks and connections may be the key to finding the best role in a highly competitive market.”
Overall, the ability to adapt is going to be key to finding and keeping a great job during the next period, according to Steve Kennedy, something Gen Y is very good at.
“It may mean a bit more focus on traditional career building skills, but Gen Y candidates should definitely be able to position themselves to make the best of a challenging employment market.
For further information, please contact:
Victoria Bennett
Marketing Manager
Kelly Services (New Zealand) Ltd
Tel: +64 3 363 5322
Mob: 027 213 0613
Email: victoria_bennett@kellyservices.com
Gerard Blank
The Agency Communications Ltd
Tel: +64 3 341 5841
Mob: 0275 243 629
Email: gerard@theagencynz.co.nz