8 Steps to Effective Informational Interviews

One of the most frequent pieces of advice I give to young professionals is to seek out successful people and ask to conduct an informational interview with them. Essentially, an informational interview is a networking meeting where the interviewee (the successful professional) agrees to share some career advice with the interviewer (you).

I conducted tons of informational interviews when I was a student and young alum, and now I’m often the one being interviewed. And here’s the thing: If someone impresses me, I’ll go out of my way to help that person find a job or connect them with other people I know. If that person doesn’t seem to take the informational interview seriously, I usually end the call early and rarely keep in touch.

If you want to be in the former group with the people you ask for informational interviews, here are some secrets to success:

1. Confirm. At least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled phone call or meeting, confirm with your interviewee. This shows that you respect the person’s time and that you are taking this opportunity seriously.
2. Be on time. This is just as important for a phone call as it is for an in-person meeting. If you have agreed to 2pm, call at 2:00pm on the nose. Again, it’s a matter of respecting the other person’s time.
3. Do your research. It’s really irritating when someone asks to speak with me and then his or her first question is, “Can you tell me about what you do?” A simple Google search will lead you to my (or anyone’s) LinkedIn profile, Twitter feed, website and all of the articles and blog posts I’ve written. This opening question isn’t a smart use of the time you have to gain valuable career advice.
4. Clearly and concisely explain your situation. In most cases, the person you are interviewing won’t know much about you (don’t assume that he or she has read your resume or any other information, even if you’ve sent it in advance). So it’s a great idea to start the call with a brief (one- to two-minute) introduction to who you are and what you’re looking for. For instance, “I’ve just graduated with a BA in computer science and I’ve completed a few internships at big companies. My goal is to find a job at a start-up in the Boston area where I can work in product development.”

If you’re not totally sure what you want to do, it’s fine to say that you’re not sure yet, but do give the person some indication of the fields you’re interested in. For example, “I’ve just graduated with a degree in communications and, although I’m not completely sure yet what career to pursue, I’m currently looking at positions in public relations and marketing and would be open to other opportunities as well.”

1. Prepare questions in advance. I recently spoke to a student who had prepared about 5 questions to ask me in a 30-minute phone call, which struck me as the perfect number. She clearly had specific issues she wanted to discuss and I really respected the fact that she had prepared so thoroughly. Her questions were also a good mix of specific (regarding a particular interview she had coming up) and general (she asked me what books I was currently reading and would recommend to a recent grad).
2. Show that you’re listening. Remember that you are the interviewer in this situation, so it’s important to be a great listener. You want your interviewee to do most of the talking so you can gain as much wisdom as possible. This means repeating back some of the highlights of your interviewee’s advice and jotting down some action steps that you can share with the interviewee at the end of your call. For instance, perhaps the interviewee recommended a book to read or a particular company to research.

Sharing action steps is also a fantastic way to set up the expectation of a follow-up conversation. Tell the interviewee that you will be in touch as you accomplish the tasks he or she has suggested.

1. Send a thank you email within 12 to 24 hours. Just like a formal job interview, an informational interview— even a very quick or casual one—requires a thank you email. The sooner you send one, the better to stay on that person’s radar screen and show that you appreciated his or her time. A handwritten note is a nice gesture, too, but given the speed of the world today, I generally prefer email thank yous following an informational interview.
2. Keep in touch. If someone has agreed to an informational interview, that person now has an investment in your success and wants to hear how you’re doing as your job search continues. While you don’t want to overdo it, it’s absolutely appropriate to follow up with this person in a few ways:
   1. As mentioned, let the person know that you have taken action on his or her suggestions.
   2. Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized connection request that can serve as another thank you note (for example, “Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me last week. I look forward to keeping you posted on my job search!”).
   3. Be sure to inform this person when you eventually land a job. Everyone wants to feel that they contributed in some way to your success.

Do you have any other informational interviewing tips or best practices?  Please share!

Finally some good press for today’s twentysomethings!

I’ve been an evangelist of Gen Y for years and am pleased to see this more positive portrayal of a generation I’ve found to be smart, creative and ready to make a positive contribution to their workplaces. And I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the fact that the oldest Gen Ys are now entering their 30s and taking on more and more leadership positions. Inevitably, this will bring some big changes to the work world. Here are three predictions:

1. We will expand and lengthen the definition of “entry-level.” Because Gen Ys are extending the onset of adulthood into their mid-twenties or even age 30 (a phenomenon that I believe was confirmed when the new U.S. health care legislation determined that young people can stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26), I think companies will follow suit in treating the twenties are more of a career training period.

I believe we will see expanded internship programs (perhaps lasting several years beyond college), more alumni career resources being offered by universities (so there is less pressure to choose a career by age 21) and longer corporate rotational programs — perhaps moving from two years to three or four. The days of graduating college and joining a company for life are long over, but we are only beginning to see companies develop creative new approaches to career pathing. For interesting examples, check out Best Buy, Google and Zappos.

2. Titles and career paths will become more customizable. According to MTV’s 2010 Millennial Edge survey, 81 percent of Millennials agree with the statement, “I am always expressing myself in different ways.” We’ve already seen this attitude in the workplace with Gen Ys seeking work/life balance, holding out for careers they’re passionate about and not hesitating to leave jobs that don’t feel fulfilling.

Over the next decade, I predict that companies will respond with more customizable titles, rotational programs, work schedules and other opportunities for employees to express themselves and their unique preferences in their careers. This Gen Y characteristics will lead to more entrepreneurial desire as well, so companies that offer opportunities for intrapreneurship or support “moonlighting” will also have an advantage in attracting and keeping young talent.

3. “Standard” business communication will evolve. We’ve already seen business become much more casual. When was the last time you called a colleague or client “Mr.” or “Ms.” or wrote a formal business letter? While I firmly believe that good grammar and face-to-face interaction should never go away, it’s clear we are headed for more text message speak (“LOL” was just added to the Oxford English Dictionary, after all) and more virtual communication as the “digital natives” of Gen Y begin to run the show.

Because human interaction is still incredibly important, my belief is that the technology will improve so that even virtual communications feel personal, such as better video chatting software and more realistic meeting technology such as Cisco telepresence. Even if you can’t be in the same room as a client or colleague, you’ll feel as if you are.

What predictions do you have for the way Gen Y will affect the workplace in the coming years? Please share!

By Lindsey Pollak

In today’s changing economy and challenging job market, it can be difficult for a young professional to make choices about what type of career you’d really like to pursue. The options can seem nearly limitless, and it may feel impossible to truly consider all of the necessary factors involved in your decision-making.

Furthermore, many Millennials feel compelled to find work that is personally fulfilling and beneficial to their community. If you’re looking to find something more than “just a job,” Work on Purpose might just provide the answers you’re looking for.

Work on Purpose tells the stories of five young advocates and change makers, all of them inspirational in that they once found themselves in precisely your position. They, too, felt challenged to find meaningful work, but often had little idea of where to begin.

Changing the world is a real possibility, and Lara Galinsky and Kelly Nuxol, the authors of Work on Purpose, believe they have the formula for making your goals a reality. Through the stories of these role models and their formula for finding your own best fit, the authors hope to help you navigate the difficult journey of choosing a career that truly fulfills you.

Their formula is based on following a three-prong approach to finding the right career for you:

1. Listen to your heart. Discovering what motivates you, what drives you to action and what gets you out of bed in the morning is the first step to attaining your ideal career.

2. Use your head. All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Seriously consider what innate gifts you’ve been given, and use them to your advantage. These are the tools you have that will help you to stand out and succeed on your road to a successful and meaningful career. In other words, careers are not made on passion alone.

3. Unleash your hustle. This is where the “work on purpose” comes in. Once you’ve determined what your passionate about and what talents you can contribute, it’s time to get down to business. Establish your goals, keep a determined focus on accomplishing them, and pursue them doggedly each and every day. When you are inspired by the work that you’re doing, you will most likely find that it doesn’t feel much like “a job” at all.

Is all of this even possible in tough economic times like we now find ourselves? The authors say yes. “Hardship often spurs people to understand and appreciate what’s really important to them, like serving others. Nonprofit jobs are [currently] on the rise, along with volunteerism, government jobs and for-profit jobs with a positive social impact.”

Need some inspiration and more tactical tips? Check out www.echoinggreen.org/work-on-purpose, for an online platform, the book and interactive tools that support young people in the journey towards developing a meaningful career and a purposeful life.

One of my biggest surprises when I first started speaking about career issues on college campuses was the number of students who asked me questions about work/life balance.

College women (and more than a few men) as early as their freshman year were asking me about how to build a career that would enable them to have flexibility for child rearing, service projects, travel or other pursuits.

When I started my own career in the late 1990s, I can honestly say that balance was not on my radar screen. I had the belief that the early years of my career should be spent working long, hard hours and building my experience and contacts. (Mind you, this was during the heady dot-com glory days of Generation X, so we all had a secret belief that maybe we’d hit it big and retire early on our dot com millions anyway.)

Whether it’s increased media attention to the topic of balance, the fact that the majority of Gen Ys grew up with working moms, the long-lasting “What does it all mean?” effect of 9/11 or other factors, attitudes about balance among young people have definitely changed. Work/life balance is now a Gen Y career issue whether older workers are surprised by this fact or not.

If you’re a young professional wanting a career with balance, here are some suggestions:

1. Get clear on your priorities. While I want you to have it all, I also have enough experience to know that compromises are often necessary, especially when you’re just starting out. For instance, when I first launched my own business, I had a ton of flexibility and freedom, but I was also making less money and had to pay for my own health insurance. That was a compromise I was willing to make because independence was my number one priority.

2. Be realistic. A major complaint I hear from entry-level recruiters is that Gen Ys feel entitled to flexibility and vacation time from day one of a new job. This isn’t always reasonable. Most jobs really do need you to be there all day, every day, at least during the first several months when you are learning the ropes. You can certainly ask about flexible hours or time off when interviewing for a job, but be realistic about how soon you might be able to take advantage of such policies.

3. Do your homework. There are still many industries where balance is just not part of the culture (investment banking and law being the prime examples). While there has been some movement in these industries (for example, law firms considering a project fee model rather than billable hours), the reality is that an entire industry is not going to change its culture overnight. Do your research to find out whether a particular industry is known for a lack of balance and stay away if balance is at the top of your list of career priorities.

4. Create pockets of balance. Finally, remember that balance doesn’t have to be “given” to you. Even if you’re working hard and have a demanding boss, you can find ways to integrate your personal needs with your professional ambition. Even small moments can add up to more happiness. For instance, you can take a gym class during your lunch break, go for a brief walk around the block each afternoon and listen to your favorite music, walk over and chat with a friendly colleague or join an internal community service group that does charity work. These types of activities will give you a respite in a busy day and may end up boosting your career prospects as well.

Are you a Gen Y who has found a good work/life balance? Please share your tips and stories!

This week’s post is a Q&A session with Nate Whitson from Intern Match. As you’ll see, Nate shares some valuable tips and pointers on getting, keeping and making the most of internships.

1. How has the internship world changed over the past 5 to 10 years?

The value and importance of internships have changed in many ways over the last 10 years. First, internship experience has evolved from simply a resume booster to essentially a pre-requisite for landing an entry-level job.

Second, the popularity has increased. In fact, the number of internships taken by students has increased over 8-fold in the last 10 years, and internships are now the #1 way in which employers are hiring students.

Because of this increase in importance, internships have become much more competitive in the past decade. Career changers, graduate students and even high school students all compete for the same positions.  This means that looking for positions early and often in college is essential.

2. A lot of recent grads are taking unpaid internships after they graduate. Can you discuss this trend and whether you think this is a good choice for a recent grad who can’t find a full-time, paid position?

In the current economy, recent graduates are having a hard time finding jobs and are willing to do just about anything to get a foot in the door.  At the same time, other employees who are being laid off are trying to break into new industries — and at times are offering their services as unpaid interns.  This means businesses are seeing applications from a variety of qualified candidates who are willing to work for free.

There are a lot of problems with this.  Unpaid internships can be exploitative, and they exclude those students and graduates who need to support themselves with a wage.  They are also illegal in some circumstances.

That being said, considering an unpaid internship as a recent grad depends on the individual and the opportunity.  For example, some non-profits or startups simply cannot afford to pay, but offer a highly educational experience that may be worth taking (in fact until this year, White House internships were unpaid). My recommendation is to keep an open mind, but be cautious of organizations looking to exploit over-eager job seekers.  Part-time unpaid opportunities are frequently a better decision.

3. What are some ways to get the most out of an internship?

The first step of any internship is proving your salt – turn work in on time, keep a positive and professional attitude, and make yourself a valued member of the team.

Throughout the internship, develop a broad understanding of how the organization works, what skills different employees have that make them valued, and talk to your co-workers about their jobs and how they got there.  Networking is more powerful when combined with a sincere interest in your co-workers’ career paths.  Also, focus in on learning industry-specific software tools, like Salesforce for a sales internship, or QuickBooks for an accounting internship.  This experience is something that is not taught in school.

4. How can people turn an internship into a full-time job?

Turning an internship into a job is a matter of proving your commitment to the organization and going the extra mile — even on small tasks (all organizations have grunt work, and showing that you are committed regardless of the task helps prove that you are indispensible).

Also, staying in touch with your boss after the position is over is a great way to convert internships into jobs.  Connect with co-workers on LinkedIn, try to assist the organization in finding their next intern and write a positive article or blog post in your school newspaper or department blog about the experience.

5. Can you share some tips and tricks about the intern hiring process?

Having a great resume is essential.  You can view our sample internship resume here, and know that highlighting past work experiences in a quantitative manner helps a resume standout.

Getting hired also means marketing yourself.  Develop a professional persona that you use in all of your applications.  Create a LinkedIn account that includes a professional picture. Make this picture the same as your Facebook picture (as long as it’s professional), and print out business cards.

The easiest and most often overlooked tactic that makes a major difference in the hiring process is following-up.  Send a kind follow-up email the day after your interview.  If it was an in-person interview, send a hand-written “thank you” note.  Small personal touches will make you stand out.

Thank you to Nate for answering my questions today. What additional questions do you have about internships?

This year, perhaps because the show itself was pretty boring, my mind started to wander away from the glamorous gowns and gold statues and started to ponder the genius of the whole Oscars juggernaut. I began to ponder how the Academy Awards organization, the movie studios and the nominated actors are absolute geniuses at Milking an Event for All It’s Worth.

This is a good career tip.

In today’s crazy-busy world, it takes a lot of time and energy to attend a live networking event, conference or any other career-boosting activity. Unfortunately, for many people the event itself exists in a bubble with no pre-thought or after-thought. This is a mistake. If you’re going to spend your precious time and money attending an event, you’ve got to milk it for all it’s worth. Here are some tips:

Before the event:

• See if the event is posted on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter and RSVP on those sites in addition to sending in your regular registration. This is a way to promote to your followers that you are actively networking and it also puts you on the radar screen of the event organizers and other participants.
• Research the host organization, the speakers and the participants (if you’re able to view a list) so you can make a plan for which people you’d like to meet when you’re on-site.
• Follow all of the above people on Twitter and see what topics are interesting to them. If the event you’re attending has a hashtag (for example, #MarketingConf2011), use that in your tweets to show that you are attending, and comment on issues that will be addressed at the conference.
• Here’s a tip that’s especially helpful for shy types: Reach out to a few speakers or attendees beforehand by email, LinkedIn or Twitter to introduce yourself and say that you’re excited to connect in person. This makes it much easier to go up and introduce yourself at the event since you can reference your previous interaction.

During the event:

• Introduce yourself to the event organizers. This is especially important if you’re interesting in future speaking opportunities, as many event organizers are already planning for the following year’s conference. This is also a good idea for job seekers — the event organizers may be aware of sponsors or attendees who are hiring.
• Tweet! If you haven’t yet installed Twitter on your mobile device, it’s an absolute must for making the most of conferences. I’ve met dozens of people because we’ve reacted to each other’s tweets during a conference. Again, be sure to use the event’s hashtag and follow other people who are tweeting at the same event. Also, lots of people follow the tweets for events they’re not attending, so it’s a great way to network with those folks as well.
• Take photos. People love to be tagged online, so snap a few pics (especially ones of you standing with other attendees or speakers) and ask each person if it’s okay to post and tag those photos on Twitter or Facebook. This shows your broader network that you are active and connected, and it’s gives you a great excuse to keep in touch with the people you meet.
• Consider creating an “event-within-the-event.” This is a trick I picked up from networking guru Keith Ferrazzi, who always invites a group of event attendees to join him for coffee or dinner to create a more intimate networking environment during a larger networking event. As a less complicated (and less expensive) version of this, simply invite someone you meet to sit with you at lunchtime.
• Another great tip from Ferrazzi is to briefly introduce yourself before you ask a question during a workshop or speech (and you should always ask a question!). This makes you memorable to the speaker and the entire audience and often leads to further conversation opportunities.
• When you meet someone you’d like to keep in touch with, immediately ask that person when would be a good time to follow up. Jot the person’s follow-up instructions down on the back of his or her business card so you don’t forget.

After the event:

• Schedule all of those follow-up actions into your calendar right away. In addition to scheduling follow-up with the people you met, schedule follow-up with yourself. Many of us walk away from conferences or networking events with a few ideas — “I should really buy that speaker’s book,” “That career coach so-and-so mentioned sounds like someone who might be able to help me,” “I want to look up that website the small business tax expert mentioned.” Don’t let these ideas fall through the cracks! Look through any notes you took at the event or any handouts you received and transfer those action items directly onto your to-do list.
• Write a blog post or Facebook note sharing what you learned or experienced at the conference. Many organizations will link to posts about their events, giving you broader exposure, and the people in your network will appreciate that you want to share the knowledge you gained.
• Sign up for another event. Momentum is important when it comes to networking, so look around for other opportunities to get out there and milk another event for all it’s worth!

What have you done to maximize your attendance at a live event? Please share!

Networking is normal: The initial idea of walking up to a stranger to start a conversation may be a daunting task for anyone—especially when you want to impress someone—-however, networking is completely normal. That magazine editor in chief or financier was once in your shoes. It is important to be yourself; your colleagues will appreciate your honest and unique approach.

You’re not the first: Many times young professionals will build up the networking event or meeting in their mind; it is important to understand that supervisors and managers have networked with young professionals before. They have heard the same questions before and can offer sage advice to help guide your career. You are not reinventing the wheel by asking a manager what skills you need to promote your organization successfully—it has been asked before—-you are showing them that you have what it takes to succeed.

A real relationship: Once you make a connection with someone be sure not to abuse the relationship by being a ‘taker.’  The relationship must be mutually beneficial for both parties to succeed. If you ask an editor to review your reel, how about offering your time to help log tapes for them? Before you ask for a favor, ask yourself: what can I give in return?

No fear: Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone. Many businesses and entrepreneurs are eager to assist college students and recent grads; people are often willing to help you if you just ask them. Take the risk and talk to that highly successful executive, an opportunity missed is an opportunity lost.

Move on: Inevitably, you may be rejected in your efforts to connect with someone; they will not respond to your email or phone calls. It is paramount to move on and not obsess about this one negative experience. There will be more opportunities to showcase your talents and winning personality, and next time you just might get a ‘yes’ instead of  a ‘no.’

Now that you have the skills for networking it is time to “make the ask.” Whether it’s asking the local bakery to donate cupcakes for an upcoming event or asking a CEO to help cover start-up costs for an organization, there’s a definite science involved. Turns out, it’s not as simple as the old saying, “ask and you shall receive.”

Do your homework: No matter what the need is, big or small, go into the “ask” having done your research. The Internet eliminates any excuses behind walking into a situation without knowing the history of a company or the demographic it targets. Be well prepared  and knowledgeable about the organization or individual you are approaching.

Never underestimate a subject line: Let’s face it, most of us have a full inbox by lunchtime. It’s important to include a stand-out subject line in your emails, like “Girls’ Charity Seeking Your Support” that will prevent the reader from pressing “delete.”  Though the exterior matters, the interior of your email counts most. Keep your message short, polite and to the point. No need to type 500 words for what can be said in only 150.

Everything happens in the follow-up: Be a person of your word and check back with anyone you have reached out to. Following up will show an individual that you are still dedicated and interested in engaging with them. Are you one to forget the follow-up? Mark it in your calendar and don’t shrug it off when the time comes. After all, you were the one to reach out so it’s important that you see the communication through to the end.

Thank You. It’s still the golden word: The message never tires, no matter what age we reach: say thank you! Despite being an in age where email is the primary form of communication, nothing quite compares to a handwritten note. Even after thanking a person look for ways in the future to acknowledge and involve them in future happenings.

They are nothing short of global epidemics. Over 81 million young people are unemployed worldwide. In the U.S. nearly 20% of young people are unemployed–with millions more underemployed–and in countries such as Spain, the youth unemployment rate is as high as 40%. The fact is that the mantra of “work hard, get good grades and go to school to get a job” is dead and antiquated. Young people must leave the resume-handout mindset behind and learn to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs that are capable of generating their own incomes. I believe this is an achievable goal.
2.  What do you consider a “real” job, and why do you encourage young people to avoid it?

A “real” job is one where you work for another individual and see no real value or upside from the work product you produce–or a place that forces you to put all of your eggs into one basket that you are neither holding nor own. In today’s new economy, where layoffs, hiring freezes, automation and corporate greed have become commonplace terms, I think it is unwise to rely on anyone but yourself when it comes to something as vital as your livelihood. To avoid the need for a “real” job, young people need to build simple, unoriginal, unsexy businesses that are capable of generating immediate revenue and can be built over time. We must stop thinking about building the next Facebook and start actually building the next tutoring service or plumbing company.
3.  What is the biggest challenge young entrepreneurs face, and how do you suggest overcoming it?

Young entrepreneurs need to kill their egos. Reality check: your business will probably not become the next Groupon. The “rich by 30″ mentality is setting us back and pushing us down the path of launching start-ups built on nothing more than hopes and dreams. Plain and simple, this is stupid and will bankrupt us. We need to get real–fast–or be doomed to become a lost, foolhardy generation.

4.  What advantages, if any, do Millennials have over other entrepreneurs?

We are the most technologically savvy generation in history and we usually have the ability to scale our lifestyles down to the bare bones necessities. These abilities allow us to create low-budget, minimal infrastructure start-ups with relative ease.

5.  What is your #1 piece of advice for young entrepreneurs?

Be afraid, but not afraid to fail. Failure is GOOD! Be afraid to have never failed. Be afraid to look back on your life and see nothing but dead-end jobs and regrets in your past.
Scott Gerber is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, media personality, public speaker and the most-syndicated young entrepreneurship columnist in the world. He is the founder and CEO of Gerber Enterprises and founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council. Scott is also the author of the book, Never Get a “Real” Job.

I am writing this blog post while watching snowflakes pile up on the windowsill outside my New York City office. The snow is beautiful and peaceful…that is, until I have to go outside and trudge through it.

As much training as I’ve had in “appreciating the moment” and “turning lemons into lemonade,” I’ll be honest: this freezing, snowy winter is starting to get me down.

If you’re feeling the same way, here are some techniques I’ve been employing to beat the winter doldrums. I hope they’ll help you, too:

• Pep up your online profiles. When was the last time you looked at your LinkedIn profile? How old is your main Facebook photo? Have you followed any new people on Twitter lately? It’s easy to fall into a rut with social networking, especially when you’re busy with other things. But winter — when a lot of people are spending time inside, online — is a great time to refresh your online presence.I’ve just done a new upload of my contacts on each social networking site to connect with people I’ve met recently, and I’ve become a fan of a bunch of new Facebook pages to start filling my newsfeed with fresh info, events and ideas.

• Cuddle up with an inspiring book. Whether you’re sitting by a roaring fire or a tiny space heater, reading from a hardcover, a Kindle or an iPad, a good book is great cold weather company. Some of my inspirational professional favorites include The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink and Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck. Sometimes the words of a wise author can shift your thinking enough to solve a work problem, inspire a new business idea or just make you smile.

• Spring clean in winter. I’m usually a neat freak, but for some reason when I come inside on a cold day, I can’t help but dump all my stuff in a big pile. Staying organized in the winter just feels a little harder. This past weekend I dealt with those piles in a big day of decluttering. It was unbelievably satisfying:I shredded really old files, made new folders for 2011 tax stuff (with my favorite office toy — my Brother P-touch label maker), threw away pens with too many bite marks, made a pile of old books and work clothes to donate to Goodwill, put inactive computer files into an “Archive” folder and finally took the time to untangle the phone cord that constantly gets caught on my printer cable and has been driving me crazy for months. Afterwards, I felt amazing and I’m still enjoying the benefits a few days later (especially those untangled cords — what on earth took me so long?).

• Set one big goal and work on it every day of February. Most people’s New Year’s resolutions are a distant memory by now, so I challenge you to revive your biggest, most important career goal and recommit to it for the entire second month of the year. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you are laser-focused on one objective.Perhaps it’s finally completing that big project at work, securing a new position, writing a business plan for the nonprofit you want to start, launching a blog, deciding whether or not to attend grad school, asking for a promotion, hosting your own networking event, writing and submitting an article for publication or anything else you’ve been wanting to achieve. Just think how good you’ll feel on March 1 if you can accomplish that one goal. As for me, I’m focusing on a refresh of my website.

Do you have other suggestions for perking up a cold career this winter? Please share in the Comments!

Here is what Jenny had to say about Gen Y and how they approach their job searches and careers:

1. What do you feel Gen Y job seekers have to offer that older (more experienced) candidates don’t?

Gen Y has been brought up using the Internet, watching live, 24/7 news, expecting instant communication and emerging as the world’s first generation of “digital natives.”  Today’s global economy brings new challenges and new rules; it truly is a new world—and Gen Y speaks the native tongue fluently.  Their unique perspective and new thinking –also known as the “Gen Y Way” – brings a new view on a more socially conscious, global world.

2. You mention in your book that Gen Ys have a ‘why not?’ attitude.  What do you mean by this and how is it an asset?

Think about it this way – in your own working environment have you learned more from the folks who have taken your direction as law or those who’ve stepped up to the plate and asked “why”?

In my opinion, an office full of robotic employees can only get you so far.  Gen Y asks questions.  They’re inquisitive and it’s been interesting to see some media thought leadership that’s condoned this quality.

When Gen Y questions the status quo, it’s because they’re looking at the situation through a different lens, and what they see doesn’t add up.  They see that the old ways don’t work—and they can’t help but question why we’d want to continue down the wrong path.  This type of questioning shouldn’t be chastised—it should be celebrated and rewarded!

3. What are employers’ biggest misconceptions about Gen Y?

“‘Generation Whine’ is entitled and needy.”  For the past 15 years, I’ve been able to observe this remarkable group.  What Gen Y really is, is the most misunderstood generation in history.  This group is bringing new perspectives, new values and new thinking to the table – and this is exactly what we need to solve the challenges facing our world today.

They question old thinking and assumptions, and the reality is (as mentioned above) some people don’t like having their feathers ruffled. Gen Y also looks for collaborative methods to get the job done, which can differ from other generations’ beliefs that it’s a one (wo)man show.

At the end of the day, they’re less focused on financial endeavors and more so on creating a new set of life experiences and a balanced living.  Gen Y isn’t whiny; what they are is in constant pursuit of new opportunities to learn and grow.

4. What is Gen Y’s impact on the workforce (positive or negative)?

I’m obviously going to say positive, but don’t take my word for it!  Here in Massachusetts, efforts to attract and retain young, educated talent are a high priority.  The Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) launched a “Recruit and Retain” initiative to promote the growing new-media industry in the state, and to counter the misconception that all “cool” innovation is happening on the West Coast.

Today, many mainstream companies are attempting to step up the marketing of New England to attract the up-and-coming talent that is so critically important for innovation and growth.  This effort by MITX and New England companies is indicative of the fact that the world is beginning to place a higher value on the Innovation Generation’s fresh thinking.

One need look no further than President Barack Obama’s utilization of social, collaborative technology in his campaign in order to assess the value of this new type of thinking.

Do you agree with Jenny’s assessment of Gen Y? How do you feel about being a member of this generation or working with Gen Ys? Please share your thoughts in the comments!