Already immersed in the barrage of “Best of” and “Top 10” lists? I’m joining in this year and here’s why: I’m often asked by new readers for a cheat sheet on the most buzzworthy, need-to-know millennial trends and topics. As we close out 2015, I thought I’d compile my most-read posts from the year, with some new insight for those of you who read them the first time around.
Visiting for the first time? Welcome! My blog has two audiences that I serve with a balance of topics: 1) millennial professionals who are looking for advice to grow and improve at work and 2) professionals of every generation who want to work more effectively with their millennial colleagues.
My most popular posts in 2015 were a mix of timeless advice and new ideas about workplace trends.
Career Q&A: How to Get a Job When You Have a Low GPA – published November 2008
This is the most-read post I’ve ever written, and to me that proves that no job seeker is perfect. While you can’t change your GPA, you can focus on your strengths — your intelligence, your ambition and your discipline — which ultimately will drive your success in the workplace. In the comments, readers have shared how they were able to overcome a less-than-stellar GPA through internships or volunteer experience.
Career Q&A: Is It Lame to Put High School Achievements on My Resume? – published October 2007
As many of my readers have grown up, so has this advice. If your resume and LinkedIn profile still tout that you were president of the high school debate club or social chair of your sorority, it’s time for an upgrade. The “four-year rule” is still relevant, but another way to view your resume or LinkedIn profile is what I call “cost per word.” If you were being charged $100 per word, what accomplishments would be worth buying to display on your resume or profile? Curating your professional bio from that perspective will help you focus on what truly matters.
Wear This, Not That: A Millennial’s Guide to Business Casual – published June 2015
This post got a big reaction, which made me realize there are a lot of wardrobe malfunctions happening in offices around the country. (In fact, I was just interviewed by U.S. News & World Report on how to interpret business casual.) Maybe it stems from the growing “athleisure” trend, but I’ve received feedback from many young professionals who admitted they had never heard succinct advice on dressing for work. It’s critical: Seasoned managers continue to tell me that the cliché “dress for the job you want, not the one you have” is as true now as it ever was. Today’s clothing terms, from “festive” on a party invitation to “business casual” at work, are complicated, so the best advice is to always ask what is appropriate for the particular environment you’re in.
Study: Millennials Lack Crucial Work Skills – published March 2015
This study was fascinating to me, as it reported that 70 percent of managers say teamwork is important to success, but only 19 percent of managers find entry-level employees very competent in teamwork. Since we like to think of Gen Y as “Team Teamwork” and masters of the group project, this finding was counterintuitive, but it underscores the danger of taking preconceived notions or stereotypes and applying them to a large group. And what it should tell millennial employees is that your success may depend on how well you work with your group.
Business Etiquette for Millennials – published May 2015
This post really touched a nerve – it seems that almost everyone faces dilemmas about mobile devices at work. What I found particularly fascinating was that I received more than one comment that the offender on the smartphone is often the boss! I loved one reader’s advice that if something was so important that you had to respond immediately — and some things are — leave the meeting and return when you’ve addressed the issue, rather than furtively typing and potentially distracting others.
I thought I’d end with the words of one commenter: “Thank you for keeping our social graces alive.”
That’s my goal as I continue to tackle the workplace challenges that confront professionals of all generations. See you in 2016!
What’s the best advice you heard or best thing you read in 2015? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Lindsey Pollak is the leading voice on millennials in the workplace, trusted by global companies, universities, and the world’s top media outlets — and, most importantly, by millennials themselves. A New York Times bestselling author, Lindsey began her career as a dorm RA in college and has been mentoring millennials — and explaining them to other generations — ever since. Her keynote speeches have audiences so engaged that, in the words of one attendee, “I didn’t check my phone once!” Contact Lindsey to discuss a speaking engagement for your organization.
