Recession hits Gen-Y – many now writing application letters

Generation Y workers getting their first taste of a recession are having to take unfamiliar steps to get job opportunities they once would have taken for granted.

One of these, it seems, is writing application letters rather than emailing.

As the first members of Generation Y start to celebrate their 30th birthdays, more companies are working to harness their unique talents, and the recession has brought their importance into even sharper focus.

Recruitment company Kelly Services has commissioned “Gen Y @ work”, a study of the generation between 1978 and 1995, and the report includes a guide for attracting, recruiting and retaining Gen Y workers.

Kelly Services country general manager Steve Kennedy says the current recession is particularly relevant to this generation, as job security becomes an issue for them for the first time in their lives.

“For some time, the newest generation at work have had the luxury of choice when it comes to finding the job they like the most – or moving on to one that suits them better,” he says.

“Now with a tighter job market – particularly in the more in-demand professions – Gen Y candidates will have to ensure they are making the most of their skills, technical abilities and enthusiasm to present themselves as the best choice for employers.”

He says some in this age group are resorting to writing application letters and mailing in CVs for the first time, as they try to improve their chances of getting jobs that are now being fought over.

The recession will test the mettle of a generation he says may not have the resilience of baby boomers.

But getting the most out of Gen-Yers requires more than telling them to harden up; Mr Kennedy says they need to be understood to be effective.

“Gen Y are the future leaders of industry and the key to long term business growth and development. But while employers loved their energy, drive and skills when they first entered the workplace, over time managers have struggled to understand how to motivate and retain Gen Y employees.”

He says Generation Y workers like to be involved in the decision-making process and are generally more flexible than their older colleagues; they also want to work for organisations that are passionate about what they do.