Millennials: Running around like they rent the place

When interviewing, know what suits you!

Recently, I was having a coffee with a really impressive candidate. 22 years young, an inspiring attitude and ready to make a difference in the workforce that she was ready to join.

When I say candidate, she had a name, it was Louise. Louise and I were talking about a particular job opportunity to which she seemed more than perfect for. But that's always the way, you know, as a recruiter you always look at what's on paper.

So after a couple of flat whites, we get to the point: Louise's expectations.

Louise had been struggling to secure a position with a business but I couldn't understand why. She was fun, refreshing and clever. When you're a recruiter, it's very easy to hear what you want to hear. The good stuff. Louise and I get to the bottom of her expectations slowly - but surely.

So, I ask "What's important to you, Louise?"

To which Louise replies, "Home working. Flexible working, unlimited holiday, lunch allowance or even agile working"

Millennial: a definition - "Millennials (also known as Generation Y) are the generational demographic cohort following Generation X. Demographers typically use the early 1980s to early 2000s as ending birth years".

Well let me tell you, Louise, by definition, I'm a Millennial myself.

What on earth is all this agile working stuff? Another definition, if you're ready.

Agile Working: Agile working is a way of working in which an organisation empowers its people to work where, when and how they choose – with maximum flexibility and minimum constraints – to optimise their performance and to do their best work”

In short, I can imagine that should I say to my boss "I've done my bit for today, I'm off" he would probably tell me where to go (and it's not home).

Is this employee's rights gone mad? Or does it make sense? Either way, in the coming years we'll be bound to hear more ideas like this and it's not only important for us to get ready but it's important to prepare our workforce for all eventualities.

So, if you're a candidate in the job market choosing which path to take, ask yourself: What is right for me?

You will inevitably see adverts that reel you right on in. Stop. Take a step back.

Flexible working?

• Idea: The weather has been amazing lately, I might work remotely from the pub.
• Reality: you couldn't get WiFi, so either way, you look as if you were in the pub.

Home working?

• Idea: I'm going to work in my pants in the comfort of my own lounge but chase all of those supplier agreements that I've been putting off.
• Reality: I'm still in my pants but it feels weird cause nobody else is.

Agile working?

• Idea: Might do my work today but might leave it all until tomorrow and then I essentially take the day off.
• Reality: We're taking you to court because we have no control anymore.

These are terms that you would have heard a lot more of recently. Make sure you know what you're signing up to. Be aware and don't fall short of a poorly written advert about the dream. And also, Millennials, stop running around like you rent the place.