That’s right, it’s the first day of spring and we’re all relieved that it’s finally here. I, as a millennial, adore this time of year because I’ve always embodied one feeling when the time comes – refreshment. For someone else it could be a new curriculum schedule for the kids, a new scent in the breeze hinting its way in, a new schedule for shift workers or maybe it’s someone’s new beginning. Regardless, we made it through the cold winter, and the fact the season officially changes naturally makes everyone ready for a change- good or bad, as I learned from this Spring Facts article.
Personally, this is when I am most productive. My best ideas come out and I am able to apply them before the exhausting heat of summer. So for employers currently deciding whether to hire an applicant or give-up on an existing one, freshen up your knowledge by staying ahead of the game by understanding the impact of the millennial movement. After talking to many professionals and colleagues in the food and drink industry over the past years, most have shared one view; getting their first job was near impossible – unless they had prior connections. Gratefully, many of those employees are now valuable assets to the company! Start this season fresh by absorbing the following guide to help you read your millennial applicants accurately.
1. Independence
Ambition is often mistaken as pushy or scattered. Wait until you test them on the basics before you make your judgment call. In a world full of new financial pressures, our youth need to be more independent than ever. Forecasted in my 2014 EMERGE feature story, you can clearly see how it has played out now that it is 2017- at least for Generation Y who aren’t current home owners and don’t get enough financial help from their support systems. Where 5 years at one job used to be a staple for a good candidate, is now no longer the case. The most successful candidates are those who are independent enough to strive for what they want – even if it comes off blunt.
These are the people that may stay at a job for 1-2 years, not because they aren’t loyal, but because they are eager for a chance at success. If they aren’t receiving the promised personal growth and career advancement, they aren’t afraid to leave! This digital age has created the need for this demographic to get where they need to go and at a much faster pace than ever before. Embrace this new work ethic as an advantage for your business. The applicants, who display independence, are the employees that will reward you with permanent results.
2. Inexperience
You’re right; they may not have all the experience you would like – however, you’re reading this article for a reason. It’s a new genre of employment hence why even the Government of Ontario is taking note with their new policy changes. With the rise in part-time and contract work, it is time to get in the loop! If their genuine intentions are in line with yours and they are actually trying, take this as a chance to be a mentor. This is the best opportunity to create a secure root in your business as they don’t have any bad habits or preconceived ideas they can bring to the table.
The shift in work habits is changing on a national level as more businesses see the benefit of a millennial workforce. Inexperience in a work place doesn’t necessarily mean inexperience in the job itself. It’s time to take risks and give your seemingly inexperienced applicant a shot. Their fresh ideas and unique ways of problem solving will allow your business to grow effectively in this ever-changing consumer environment.
3. Entitlement
Such topics of discussion, like tipping, are sensitive and often misunderstood. As a bartender or server, you want tips – not because you’re entitled – but because you know hard work pays off and you already get underpaid. If servers and bartenders were paid more than minimum wage, like at Bartendo, it creates a new avenue for equal service. Generally, there is a huge income gap between the average Generation Y worker and older counterparts. Due to a number of factors, this is a concept often overlooked by current business owners. You get what you pay for. If you use money as an incentive, you will surely get better results! The reason we are easily misconceived as entitled is because we are the one experiencing the trouble and some of us really are trying!
Look for the applicant that will own up to a mistake, won’t be afraid to ask for a higher wage and who is truly willing to prove it. Don’t look at your candidate as entitled – unless proven guilty! This new generation of potential hires just needs to feel respected and valued. Make a point to create an opportunity for your applicant, where they have a chance to physically prove themselves. Decide your verdict after you give yourself the chance to look at the bigger picture.
4. First Impressions
We all know how important first impressions are, but not all of us are good at accurately portraying one. This isn’t always due to lack of knowledge, but arguably based on lack of mutual understanding during the initial interview process. As already mentioned, don’t let the first impression deter you! For example, although there is still a difference between people who are organized and those who are not, both parties can still be equally as clumsy. Balancing glassware and plates is often what servers and bartenders struggle with most in the beginning. I know it’s been awhile, but don’t forget how clumsy you were when you first started and avoid seeing it as a problem – unless it really is a “drop the wine on the customer every day” circumstance. Those people may just need more time at another position until they have practiced!
The key to success in this competitive corporate world is to hire an employee that won’t just fulfill your job description, but who possesses the potential that will benefit you in the long run. At Bartendo, we hire a bartender or server based on personality that matches our beliefs. Applicable to any industry, click here for a few additional qualities we look for when hiring event staff in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa or Montreal.
Take advantage of this unique millennial perspective shaped by technology and social media. Bartendo’s roster includes all ages, but primarily consists of this intuitive generation. We believe in providing the best event staffing needs simply by setting our employees up for success. Contact us today to learn more about working with us!