Current Economic Downturn Is A

Wake-Up Call For Gen-X Jobseekers

FARMINGTON — The softening economy is delivering a wakeup call for Generation-Xers (those born between 1964 and 1983). After cutting their teeth on the lucrative entry-level salaries, sign-on bonuses and company perks that characterized the labor market of the Nineties, Gen-Xers developed an expectation of what the working world is like, and how to approach it. Now that the economy and employment outlook are changing, Gen-Xers find they must modify their job search attitude and tactics to find the careers they desire.

The job market has shifted from a candidate-driven market to a company-driven market, explains Gail Audibert, a partner of Audibert Jones Associates in Farmington, a human resources placement, planning and consulting firm. This market correction has been characterized by lay-offs, downsizing and company closings both in Connecticut and across the country. While these clearly are challenging times for employees everywhere, Ms Audibert says the outlook for Gen-Xers remains positive for a number of reasons.

“The Gen-Xer profile is one of self-reliance, positive thinking, flexibility and an inner belief that it is up to them to succeed. All of these traits will serve them well throughout their careers,” she says.

The common work attitudes that define many in this age bracket arose from certain societal factors:

*Many watched as their hardworking, loyal parents were laid off. Thus, they do not expect to stay with any one company for more than five years and are less apt to sacrifice family and personal life for their jobs.

*They grew up in a high tech society. They excel at adapting to change more easily and willingly than the preceding generation.

*They are the most affluent generation to date. They do not equate work solely with making money. Instead, they want a place to learn and have fun.

*They represent the first generation of latchkey kids in the workforce. They value and expect a certain degree of autonomy. They prefer team environments, wanting to be treated more as peers than subordinates.

*In addition, this generation (and the Gen-Yers who follow) will benefit from the fact that now and in the future, there will be more people retiring than entering the workforce. According to Career Systems International, 77 million Baby Boomers will be retiring over the decade, with only 45 million Gen-Xers to fill those spots. Thus, the long-term outlook for Gen-Xers looks good.

However, the economic prosperity the country has enjoyed since the mid-90s has given recent Gen-X graduates unrealistic career expectations, notes Audibert Jones Associates partner Mary Jones.

“They found themselves the focus of an economic feeding frenzy as some of the best companies around courted them,” said Ms Jones. “These companies had more positions than people to fill them, so competition for the new graduates was fierce. Many Gen-Xers went on multiple interviews and salary offers and benefits were often better than they ever imagined.”

With this introduction to the working world, it is easy to see how Gen-Xers got the impression they were in the driver’s seat and able to fully control their career destiny. With the recent economic downturn, Gen-Xers have to give up some of the control they had “inherited” and felt they deserved. To help Gen-Xers adjust their expectations and experiences in the current, more balanced economy, Ms Jones and Audibert offer the follow advice:

*Get back to basics. Focus on honing your skills and further developing your talents, which is exactly what previous generations needed to do early in their careers. Consider jobs that can help you to develop key skills required for your future career success. The “instant success” formula of the last couple of years will be replaced with patience and earned credibility.

*Approach your job search like a job. Spend time on your job search every day, doing at least one thing each day to get closer to your goal.

*And, in this age of Internet resume-mania, distinguish yourself as best you can from your competition. Make sure your resume is well written, focuses on every skill and relevant experience, and is tailored to fit the particular job — and industry — for which you are applying.

*Know what you do and do not want. Use the Internet to research a company and target companies and positions of interest to you. A good question to ask in an interview is, “Can you describe your company environment for me?” By doing so, you get to hear how the manager views the culture and personality of the firm. And, if you’ve examined your own style and personality, you should know what type of environment would work best for you.

*Consider non-traditional assignments. Consider creative job-search approaches like temporary assignments, internships and contract jobs. Contract jobs, although similar to temporary jobs, tend to focus on a particular project. Keeping an open mind will enhance and increase your chances for success.

*Start looking early. One of the byproducts of the market softening is a longer timeframe for job searches. In 1999 and most of 2000, young professionals could plan on a thorough search taking one month or so, but not so in 2001. A more realistic time expectation of a job search is now three-plus months.

*Pay attention to the industry you’re targeting. Traditionally, individuals have always looked for jobs in a particular functional area. However, you also want to pay attention to the industry that you’ll be working in. Find an industry that is growing so that you can have access to the most opportunities, advancement, income, education, training experience, project work, etc.

“In Connecticut, for example, the bioscience industry is one of our state’s growing industry clusters,” notes Ms Jones.

While the slowing economy means that Gen-Xers will no longer receive job offers on a silver platter, it does not mean that the jobs are drying up, says Ms Jones.

“There will continue to be more Baby Boomers who retire than there will be Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers to take their places. As we’ve seen, the characteristics  of the Gen-Xers lend themselves well to the fast-paced, ever-changing, information-laden world in which we live,” explains Ms Audibert.

“By adjusting their approach to an expectation of the job market,” counsels Ms Jones, “Gen-Xers can continue to find jobs that are both financially and personally fulfilling.”