Why Millennial Workers Aren't As Useless As You Thought

For ambitious workers at the beginning of their careers, youth feels like a smudge on a resume—something to downplay, distract from, apologize for. According to a recent article on Time.com, even the achievements of star performers are discounted if they’re young. They are described as “aspiring” or having “potential” rather than recognized for their skill.
While millennials are plagued by stereotypes like being tech-obsessed, entitled and apathetic, they are the rising class that will make up 36% of the workforce by 2014 and 46% by 2020, and they offer unique skills that are increasingly vital to a company’s future.
So it’s time to own up and embrace the very thing that differentiates you. You can’t hide your age. It’s written on your face. Here’s how to flip the stereotypes and make your youth an indispensable asset.
You are experienced.
Today’s young people are armed with more experience than they realize. Summer jobs, internships, tutoring, studying abroad, school clubs, sports participation and volunteer work all demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, work ethic and social skills. “Many 20-somethings undervalue their own paid and unpaid work despite the wealth of knowledge and skills acquired from such positions,” says Dick Batten, Ph.D., head of recruiting and organizational effectiveness at Karp Resources in New York. Instead, point out these activities and identify the key capabilities gleaned from them.
You’re untethered and flexible.
Young people generally don’t yet have mortgages or dependents that need their undivided attention. That means they are able to stay plugged in, work around the clock if necessary, travel on short notice and relocate if an opportunity becomes available. Beth Mooney, chief executive of banking giant KeyCorp, last year told me that being able to pick up and go was a main selling point early in her career. She zigzagged across the country taking new roles that challenged her. Position yourself as available and ready to live and breathe the job. Employers will notice.
You’re energetic.
Young workers often have a rare and valuable attribute: unbridled energy, hunger and eagerness on the job. “For a recent grad to show up early, be ready to do whatever needs to be done and show a sincere eagerness to learn, achieve and grow professionally is a real differentiator that someone with a few years of prior experience can’t truly bring to the table,” says executive recruiter Dennis Grady of Spire Search Partners in New Jersey. Use it to your advantage. Express your enthusiasm. Volunteer to do the projects others may not want.
You are uniquely tapped into a key demographic.
“Companies spend a lot of money researching and marketing to your age group,” says Shara Senderoff, co-founder and CEO of online internship resource Intern Sushi. Position yourself as an expert on your generation. You think like them. The time you spend at bars after work and on weekends is market research. “Capitalize on being a part of such a hot target audience by regularly offering insight to your employer as a member of that group. You’ll become an invaluable resource.” Nina Beckhardt, the 26-year-old founder and president of branding agency The Naming Group, used her insight into the Gen-Y consumer mindset to win clients like General Motors and Capital One, who were looking for an edge in the youth market.
Status quo is boring. Innovation is it.
Maybe young people are skeptical of big business and the 9-to-5, but they have something better to sell—creativity and innovation. “Millennials are not locked into limited, linear patterns of thinking about industry issues or challenges,” says Amy Lynch, co-author of The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace. Young employees construct solutions the way the web works, using creative networks and associations.” In today’s knowledge economy, the ability to innovate will have hiring managers salivating. A young person can and should truthfully say, “I never hear ‘it can’t be done.’ I just find a way to do it.”

You’re adaptable and willing to learn.
As the market rapidly evolves and businesses are forced to adjust, position yourself as a change agent. “The millennial should articulate the energy and inspiration they get from change, as opposed to the anxiety or resistance older generations may feel,” notes Lynch. You don’t know or care how things used to work. Frame yourself as open to the future, adaptable and quick to learn new programs or implement new strategies.
You’re comfortable with technology and willing to teach.
You may not be a tech whiz but chances are you’re more comfortable with new technologies and social media tools than those significantly your senior. Reverse mentor. Help those above you get up to speed. Offer suggestions for how the business could market itself better using social media strategies or adding interactive features online. You’ll become the expert and go-to person for others in the office.
Multi-tasking is breathing with your eyes open.
Now that workers are expected to do multiple people’s jobs and juggle several projects at once, young people have an inherent advantage. “Multi-tasking” is just how things get done. “We grew up in a generation toggling Facebook and Gchat as we BBM our friends across town from the treadmill,” says Barbara Teszler, the 26-year-old founder and chief of an eponymous public relations firm. Don’t hide it; highlight it. These skills are more valuable than ever.
You’re collaborative by training.
You grew up doing group projects. Now you’re well-positioned to excel in workplaces where interaction, open office plans and brainstorming are the new normal. “Gen Y is the most tolerant and diverse group to hit the workplace to date, and their ability to work harmoniously as a team will completely alter the way the workforce operates,” says Tim Elmore, the founder and president of nonprofit mentoring group Growing Leaders. “Especially as the marketplace grows increasingly global, an office rookie can demonstrate a collaborative attitude by being a proactive, productive team member.” He suggests you show it by encouraging others, sharing ideas, being accountable and always being considerate of the team.
This is more than just a paycheck.
Don’t want to punch the clock at a meaningless job until you’re old and cranky? Say it. Millennials are well known for prioritizing value and meaning in their work over money, and that’s an advantage. Paul Alofs, author of Passion Capital, says an employee’s passion is the company’s best resource. When people’s jobs are aligned with what they care about, they put in the extra effort, and it flows straight to the bottom line.