As Generation Y emerges into the workforce, there are a few things you can expect to see and questions you will hear.  Here are the biggies:  

1) Mom and dad will be highly involved in the interview process and the annual performance review.  Remember, those of us who are Baby Boomers are also called Helicopter Parents for a reason.   Be ready to offer parents a tour or a private website to get questions answered.

2) Tattoos and body piercings are quite common, so be prepared to state your policy on exposing them (some body piercings may be hazardous in your work environment!)

3) Most Generation Y careerists are coming into the workforce with fairly high expectations for a high salary and the corner office with a great view (at least a window). Be prepared to negotiate and be honest about what you can do/cannot do.

4) Generation Y will experience multiple jobs and careers in their lifetime.  The average career lifespan is expected to be 2-3 years.  Gen Y will leave when they feel the job has become boring and meaningless, and they  have  no other choice...so be prepared to keep things interesting and open. 

5) Text messaging is a main communication vehicle for Gen Y.  On a similar note, Generation Y has a bit of a struggle with face to face interactions and live networking.  If you are an older manager, learn to text!  On the same note, be prepared to work with your Gen Y's on developing out their face to face networking and speaking skills.

Questions you will most probably be asked during a job interview will include:

1) Can I work flex hours if I get the job done?

2) Can I work from home?

3) Can I wear flip flops to work?

4) Do you have "casual days" (meaning flip flops, jeans and a novelty t-shirt)?

5) Can I bring my dog to work?

6) Will I be able to travel outside of the county with my job?

7) How strong is your 401-k program?

8) How high tech are you?  Are you on an internal network? 

9) How diverse if your company? (Gen Y is very attracted to culturally diverse companies.  They want to know that your company is not homogenous).

10) Do you use MySpace and Facebook to communicate internally?

11) Will I advance in the next six months? 

12) Why should I have to pay my dues in order to advance? 

13) Do you have athletic teams that compete outside of work?

14) What is there to do around here after 5:00?

15)  Why, why, why, why and WHY?

If you are a more senior leader (Gen X, Baby Boomer or Silent), don't let these questions bother you.  Just be prepared for them, and consider how you can use these to your advantage to make your company more diverse and attractive to Gen Y.  They are our future!  The companies who can work with these questions will have a leg up on recruitment and retention in the next 1-2 years, and you will find working with Generation Y to be a sheer joy, but only if you embrace these new desires in a way that works for everyone in your company!

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