People who are under 30 and people who are over 50 don’t look for work in the same way. Based on this premise, Brodard Executive Search in Geneva and Lausanne has decided to invite these two generations of individuals to share, talk about and combine their experiences
We’re pretty much stating the obvious when we say: “I don’t know of any concrete initiatives in Swiss Romandie that enable seniors and millennials to meet and share their experiences to increase their chances of finding a job”, says Nathalie Brodard, director and founder of Brodard Executive Search and Brodiance in Geneva.
At first glance, these two categories of job seekers appear to have little in common. This biased belief has been supported by the results of certain recent studies. The idea is that the age gap between millennials (people born between 1980 and the year 2000) and seniors (people aged over 50) is too wide for them to get along. On the job market, however, they face the same issues: a mistaken perception of their profiles, abilities and career paths. In short, of their value! Especially given the fact that, at the dawn and dusk of your career, it can be difficult to get that first interview, Nathalie Brodard adds. The juniors are too young and the seniors too experienced or over-qualified. That’s why bringing them closer together makes perfect sense.
Bas du formulaire
Nathalie Brodard came up with the idea for her “Hire Me I’m Fabulous” program while observing the difficulties faced by applicants under 30 and over 50. What is the purpose of these meet-ups? “To offer an innovative networking platform, along with useful tools for those who need them the most”, explains the businesswoman.
First meet-up in Lausanne
Millennials and seniors are being invited to share their experiences for the first time on February 12, in Geneva. The only criteria: you must live in Switzerland, be unemployed and be under 30 or over 50. Human resource specialists working for various local companies will be there to talk and share with both generations. This way, the more experienced attendants will be able to profit from the juniors’ fresh perspective, and vice versa. All attendants will be able to listen to testimonies from applicants whose job search has been successful. This will inform discussions and encourage attendants to make small changes to their methods to meet their professional goals.
On a practical level, the event will focus on the three key steps of the job search process (before, during and after). Namely: file preparation, interviews, and follow-ups. “If even one attendant finds a job following the event, it will have been a success”, she says happily, adding that the combination of this specific knowledge is likely to have amazing effects and “create incredible synergy”. What’s more, people who are interested in being independent and founding their own company will benefit from the expertise of Genilem (a supporter of young and innovative companies). The evening will end with a targeted networking session featuring the various participants (human resources, digital recruiting experts and recruitment specialists, etc.).
More projects to come
This inter-generational approach is particularly interesting given that it satisfies a clear need for communication. Networking when unemployed, regardless of how old you are, can be a challenge. Humanizing with humility: this is a fundamental professional step for Nathalie Brodard, who created her recruiting agency nearly ten years ago. “Yes, this “Hire Me I’m Famous” program is a way for me to give something back. Meeting the right people, at the right time and in a trustworthy environment is vital when you’re looking for a job.”
The recruitment expert could name endless examples of failures that have lead to chronic pessimism and resignation. But behind every failure is a life, a journey which, if you take the time to learn more about it, is understandable and justifiable. According to her, the key to success is “to stay human, humble and positive”!
And don’t worry if you can’t make the event on February 12: more “Hire Me I’m Famous” events are scheduled, including one on March 19 in Lausanne, at the Casino de Montbenon.
Following this first event, Nathalie Brodard is considering setting up more types of “Hire Me I’m Famous” platforms. The aim is to share experiences on various topics, not just among job seekers.
https://www.letemps.ch/economie/millennials-seniors-choc-generations-quete-demploi
