Don’t come across like a Millennial if you want a Job in Canada!
Perhaps it is true that millennial are taking over the world. With their hipster beards and constant attention to Facebook, who would not be intoxicated by a belief system that romanticizes living in your parent’s basement and playing Xbox all day.
Unfortunately for International Candidates, the twentysomething generation, along with it’s negative work ethic stigma, is a reality that employers have to both embrace and be weary of at the same time. As such, it is no surprise that many employers have defaulted to the position that everyone they are about to interview has the hazardous value system and work ethic of a Millennial. So, whether you are twenty or fifty, it is imperative that you Do NOT leave the following Millennial impressions if you want a job in Canada.
I don’t care about the money!
Ah yes, the main creed of the Millennial generation. Who cares about making money as long as you have the perfect work life balance and work for a company that gives back to the world, loves puppies, and hands out free massages to every employee. Let us tell you, unless that employer is Google, this is exactly what every employer does not want to hear!
Of course money is not everything. However, the desire to significantly improve your financial situation is an extremely strong motivator and more importantly a very dependable predictor of employee work ethic. People who need money generally work hard. People who do not care about money generally do not work hard. No one is saying that greed is good. Coming across as a money grubbing narcissist is an effective strategy to ensure that you never get a job in Canada. However, letting the employer know that you are motivated to work hard because you need the money just might give the employer a little confidence that you will not be tweeting all day instead of working.
Authority sucks!
When was the last time you heard a Millennial use a term of respect like ‘sir’, or address someone by his or her last name such as Mr. or Mrs. Smith? We would guess the answer is probably never. Granted, the use of formalities is now generally perceived as archaic and subjugating. However, the point is that authority still matters in the workplace and it is critical that employees see authority as being an integral component to the success of a company and not just something to be followed only when absolutely necessary.
This trap is especially true for the International Candidate, who is usually overqualified and under-appreciated. We know that you are too good for the position. The employer knows that you are too good for the position. But you still might have to report to someone half your age with a tenth of your experience, and coming across as entitled or having a chip on your shoulder is not going to convince the employer that you respect authority enough to make it all work out.
Rage against the machine!
There is no human more miserable than a Millennial in a cubicle. A Millennial is like a caged bird. It needs to be free to express creativity and impart wisdom. Today, we call this working from home or telecommuting, and this special treatment goes hand in hand with wearing whatever you want to work, being valued by your employer, and working for a company that really cares about social causes. Simply put, the last thing a Millennial wants to feel like is a cog in a machine.
You are not a widget! We get it. However, it is important for your potential employer to know that you just want to be like every other employee who wants to fit in, show up, and be paid. Companies are not evil, and employers are not the enemy. At least that is what you need you employer to believe if you want to avoid being typecast as a Millennial and consequentially get a job in Canada.
The times of companies caring about nothing but making money is likely coming to a conclusion. To their credit, Millennials are a large part of the reason why change will occur. However, most employers will hold on to the fight until the bitter end. Your goal is to get a job and start a new life in Canada. Ultimately, avoiding the stigma and stereotypes attached to Millennials will go a long way to helping you achieve this goal.