Interviewing across generations

August 2012

Greetings!

In some industries, there could be five generations (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen 2020) competing for the same job at the same time. Tailoring your hiring practices to accommodate those generations over the next five years is going to be critical to the success of your organization (Harvard Business Review). Having knowledge about those generations can streamline the hiring process and assist in matching the right person and generation to a particular position. To learn more about the three generations presently dominating the workforce, please read below. To find out more about matching individuals to a particular position, please join on for a new workshop (Effective Interviewing: Matching Candidates with the Job) on Sept. 25.

INTERVIEWING ACROSS GENERATIONS

Damian Dinan

At this point, any person involved in the hiring process can possibly interview candidates from at least three distinct generations. Even though the Baby Boomers are starting to retire, they still make up a large segment of the workforce. Generation Y or the Millennial Generation is the next biggest group coming into the workforce. And then, Generation X is sandwiched in between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials.

How can you feel prepared and comfortable interviewing with people of other generations? Even though there are some commonly shared values among these groups, that which influences and appeals to workers from Generations X and Y can be very different from what appeals to a Baby Boomer. Each generation has its own standards and values and these are reflected in the types of questions they will be asking in the interview process and the types of answers they are looking for. <READ MORE>

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

August - December

man·age·ment

1. the act or manner of managing; handling, direction, or control.

2. skill in managing; executive ability: great management and tact.

3. the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business, institution, etc.: The store is under new management.

4. executives collectively, considered as a class (distinguished from labor). (Dictionary.com)

lead·er·ship

1. the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. Synonyms: administration, management, directorship, control, governorship, stewardship, hegemony.

2. ability to lead: As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential. Synonyms: authoritativeness, influence, command, effectiveness; sway, clout.

3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his strong leadership.

4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.

(Dictionary.com)

Whether you have a new employee, a high potential employee or team member ready to take on greater leadership responsibility at your organization, the Center for Business and Industry has the solutions to preparing those employees for the next step in their careers.

Management Certificate Program

Our Management Certificate Program will develop and enhance the skills needed for managing and supervising in today's workplace. The certificate is delivered in modular format over a period of six months. It is has been very well received by program participants and their organizations alike. If you are interested in this certificate for yourself or for members of your organization, contact Damian Dinan at 610-861-5064 for more information.

Practices of Successful Leaders (PSL)

If you have completed the certificate in management and want to continue to grow your skills into leadership, or if you are in a leadership position and would like to be better able to intentionally use your talents for leading then our highly rated and popular Practices of Successful Leaders is the right choice. This program is offered only three times a year on an open enrollment basis with the next offering scheduled for September 19-21, 2012. Please register early for this program. There is some pre-work that needs to be completed prior to the course start date. Please click here to register now.

Leadership Forum

For graduates of the leadership program who are looking to continue their leadership development or who would like to spend some time with Don and Donna we have scheduled Leadership Forums. Theses are a couple of hours in the morning and are free of charge to people who have attended PSL. The next forum is September 18, from 8:30-10:00am. And while you do not have to pay for the session, we do need to know if you are attending. Please RSVP with Coleen Seng at 610-861-5590 or cseng@northampton.edu.

CBI Workshop Resources