
In a recent AARP survey, approximately 70% of workers enjoy working with other generations. Collectively, they see it as an opportunity to learn new skills and perspectives.
For the most part, boomers are on the outside looking in since many are staying in the workforce and unretiring, they should consider how they talk about and connect with younger workers. Here are my suggestions in how to go about it:
1) Boomers must value and understand the needs of the employer or a recruiter. It’s not a bad idea to follow and read what recruiters say about the candidates they interview and hire. The more specific the recruiter is to your industry, the more insight you’ll receive. These can inform every part of your approach to finding the right opportunity to navigate the interview process.
2) Boomers must understand their presentation to persuade employers to hire them. Every opportunity to impress must count. While no one is looking for perfection, every interaction with someone in the company is scrutinized.
3) Boomers must be perpetual learners. It’s essential to hone your skills constantly, but it only matters if they’re relevant to the employer’s needs.
4) Boomers must create synergy with younger counterparts (particularly those open to it). Many Gen Z workers are more open to learning from them, especially if there is a value exchange of shared learning experiences. Boomers can help younger workers bow to tone a message, while younger workers can help Boomers with simple tech tasks such as converting a document to PDF.
5) Boomers must approach younger workers with tact and respect when working and networking with younger hiring managers and recruiters. They need to read the room to find common ground rather than differences. When youngsters value their past experiences and knowledge, they will let them know.