The Hiring Manager is 9; Now What??
Dear McCrabby,
I am a graphic designer and I did work for six weeks a year ago covering a medical leave of absence. After 25 years of working in an office environment is this a skill something easily forgotten? Maybe it was my age. Looking for a senior designer under 40, possibly?
I was also asked what I do on the weekends for fun. Seriously, also wasting my time with hyperbolical anecdotes about everything except what my skills were, this was the worst interview I have ever tolerated.
Good to know I would have had a young, self-absorbed boss. Seriously, thanks for letting me vent.
Anonymous comment from yesterday's post (http://t.co/aajXmZ6)
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Dear Anon
(NOTE: we wish you'd leave your name so we could communicate, but we'll try here - hope you're still reading):
Don't get discouraged. If you get the offer, and it's a good job, take the job.
In 2004, a movie called "In Good Company," starring Dennis Quaid and Scarlett Johansson, was released. It's the story of a 50+ year-old sales pro who gets a 20-something-old boss, and the boss ends up dating the baby boomer's daughter. It's a comedy, unless you're the baby boomer.
With so many people currently searching for work, and many of them with experience, there is a good chance that this scenario will play out in more people's situations than in the past. The new job seeker, once he's landed that job, may find he is working for someone younger, and in some cases, MUCH younger.
After seven years with IBM, at age 34, McCrabby was promoted from a staff position in Atlanta, to a senior management position, on Madison Avenue, in New York City. All of McCrabby's employees were older than McC, some significantly. In fact, one employee started his IBM career before McCrabby was born, and now he worked for ME! Yikes!! If you think that's tough on the employee, realize that it can also be intimidating to the boss.
How do you handle that, Anon? How do you work for someone with less experience, who hasn't managed people much in the past, and who hasn't gone through nearly the business and management issues that you have? How do you take the new boss seriously, and how do you keep your mouth shut when he screws up?
- Treat the younger boss with respect. He/she has probably earned that position for being very good at what they've done in the past; he is probably creative and competent in his current position, and he should have the appropriate skills for the position he's earned; he deserves respect. While giving that respect, voice optimism about the relationship; newly-promoted young bosses often worry that older workers won’t respect them. Help your new boss feel more comfortable around you by expressing your excitement about “becoming a part of his team.” Be sure to call it “his” team, so that you show your boss that you know who’s in charge. If there’s a particular set of skills you bring to that team, mention that fact. If your boss proves he can't handle the job, down the road, he'll be discovered, and action will be taken; maybe you'll get a shot at his position. But it's not your place to determine that.
- Be adaptable and open to your responsibilities, not just to your own duties, but to the new possibilities of working with someone who is likely very talented. Don't discount new, or different ways of doing things; try them and see if they might work better than your old way.
- Focus on the positives of having a young boss, such as the energy, creativity, fresh ideas and new perspectives that a young boss can bring to a workplace, as well as the intelligence that is probably there.
- Have confidence, and find ways to blend the traits of your boss with your own skills Your boss is younger and this may give you the opportunity to contribute in areas he can't, such as your ability to provide an abundance of experience, and the maturity and the knowledge to understand situations and how they will play out. You may be more multi-tasking than your young boss, and you may have contacts and networks that can facilitate the job. Focusing on your own strengths may ease any feelings of insecurity or resentment you may feel toward your boss, and it can raise your value in the organization..
- Keep your skills current. If you have been out of the workforce for a period of time, there is a good chance that you'll need to enhance some skill areas, in order to maximize your effectiveness. Request participation in activities, or classes and seminars, that will improve your skills and knowledge base. This will not only bring enhance your own job performance, but could result in you being viewed as the resident expert in some areas.
- Let your brand show. Let the boss know that you have good skills in certain areas, and (tactfully, without bravado), let him know what types of projects you have successfully completed in the past. You can ease this information to your boss when there is a new project to be assigned and you volunteer to carry the ball.
- Does your young boss have young children? Remember, he may need to leave early or come in late to accommodate his family. As an empty-nester, you need to empathize that he has dance recitals or little league games to get to. Offer to fill in if there is something that needs covering while he has a family obligation. You’ll enhance your value even more.
- Dress well. Being older isn't an excuse for frumpiness. Don't try to copy the boss and dress in styles that are possibly unsuited to your age but do keep your existing wardrobe abreast of current trends and styles. Do not attempt to be “hip.” You might end up looking foolish. You will earn more respect if you are yourself. Don't get a tattoo or a piercing to fit in with the younger set.
- Become a mentor when you can and when it makes sense, with the staff and even with the boss, when you can. Be cautious not to appear condescending or intrusive, but sharing your knowledge and your experiences may be an assist to the entire team, and your boss, in particular.
- Begin to position this new job situation so that it has the potential to become an opportunity to improve your post-retirement options. Your young boss has the potential for a long, influential career with the company, and a strong business relationship with him could help you get some contract work if you get bored after you retire.
- In moderation, without a "kiss-up" slant, invite your boss to social events occasionally. If the team is going for drinks after work, invite the young boss, even if you're concerned he'll get carded; perhaps no one else will invite him. He may want to be a part of the team, but it may be difficult for him. An occasional invite may take some of the discomfort away from normal interactions with everyone on the team.
Common sense prevails, as it usually does. Consider everyone's feelings, and act with tact and restraint, and the situation can be positive. McCrabby can relate, because he WAS the young boss with all the experienced guys. He grew to love it, because it became such a learning opportunity. Now, McCrabby is looking for a role where he can reciprocate, and return the favor to his young boss.
Good luck, Anon. Once you get the chance, you can make this positive.
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McCrabby's office is always open - email your issues/questions/rants/vents to mccrabby@humantransitions.com.
McCrabby's office is always open - email your issues/questions/rants/vents to mccrabby@humantransitions.com.