Resume Rehab by Colleen

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck

February 16, 2009 at 10:21 pm 1 comment

Young people are constantly challenged to fit in at work. Generational gaps exist between every age range.

I came across this article today: 6 ways to fit in when you’re the youngest person in the room.

Some other things that I think are important to remember when you’re the youngest person:

1. It’s like playing poker. So play your cards right. In some situations, your youth will be to your advantage. In others, it’s best to lay low.
2. Dress appropriately. That doesn’t mean dressing like you’re 80, but it does mean that you need to think of how your elders will perceive your wardrobe.
3. Remember that things that may be socially acceptable to younger employees will not fly with older colleagues. For example: Facebook at work. Instant messaging. Walking around with your iPod on. [insert technology related age gap item here]
4. Stay up-to-date (and do your research) since you’re young, you should know what’s going on now. But since they’re old, you need to be able to relate to ghosts of workplace past.

Entry filed under: advice, Workplace. Tags: advice, dress code, generational gap, networking, personal branding, technology, young professional resume.