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Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, are the demographic cohort following Generation X and preceding Generation Z. Researchers and popular media use the early 1980s as starting birth years and the mid-1990s to early 2000s as ending birth years, with the generation typically being defined as people born from 1981 to 1996.
Learn the latest definitions for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha based on the Pew Research Center's guidelines. Find out how these generational groups differ in age, history, and culture.
Learn about the different characteristics and stereotypes of millennials, baby boomers, Gen X and Gen Z. Find out how they communicate, work and relate to each other.
- Overview
- What is a millennial?
- Characteristics of the millennial generation
- Tips for highlighting millennial characteristics
The Millennial Generation, a demographic categorization for those born between 1981 and 1996, is frequently a topic of debate. This generation has often been depicted in a negative light. Conversely, millennials are also described as one of the most adaptive and creative generations. When you present those traits positively and confidently, you can...
What is now known as the Millennial Generation was first referred to as Generation Y, referring to those born between 1981 and 1996. "Millennial" became a popular term since this generation was born near the end of the millennium. It is the most populated age group in modern history.Millennials were born into a technological world and came of age i...
1. Values meaningful motivation
Millennials value meaningful motivation. They may be characterized as being motivated by creative work, sharing their gifts and making an impact on others and within their communities. Oftentimes, these intrinsic motivators can be seen in a millennial's approach to their careers. Many can frequently be found working toward helping others, imparting inspiration or working to improve on a community or worldwide issue.Additionally, many millennials aim for goals that further meaningful work rather than monetary gains. While this generation's professional drive often helps them advance in their careers, many seem to do so for reasons other than a salary increase or monetary bonuses.
2. Challenges hierarchical status quo
Millennials are known for their resolve in sharing their opinions and ideas, as well as challenging their superiors when they feel it is warranted. This characteristic comes from the idea that what is best for the company results from active listening, collaboration and considering all points of view.Millennials also seem to prefer working across many functions, offering creative solutions and moving away from the boundaries of professional status and level. Additionally, this generation seems to believe that approaches such as these are more beneficial to the workplace than merely following orders passed down from the top of the professional hierarchy.
3. Places importance on relationships with superiors
Millennials have shown that when it comes to their careers, they prefer a supervisor or manager that they can connect to as a mentor. This generation strives to be comfortable working with their superiors and asking for advice and counsel about their career development. In addition to receiving advice and feedback, millennials emphasize building rapport as well as pathways for frequent communication with their managers.
On a resume
Consider highlighting your accomplishments that relied on your adaptability, creative problem-solving or expert technical skills. Be sure to include a quantifiable result so a hiring employer can see how your past performance or productivity may benefit their organization.
In a cover letter
After your initial introductory paragraph to a potential employer, you might include a section to describe how your characteristics can benefit their company and your traits meet the required skills outlined in the job description. Additionally, you can relate your core strengths to how you see yourself providing specific results for their business.
During an interview
You might consider focusing on a few key traits that specifically apply to general interview questions, such as "What are your strengths?" and "Why do you want to work here?" For example, if you're interviewing for a role in digital marking, you might describe how your natural curiosity and motivation for learning new skills helped you develop an innovative approach to building a new content management system for your past employer.
May 27, 2024 · Millennial, term used to describe a person born between 1981 and 1996, though different sources can vary by a year or two. It was first used in the book Generations (1991) by William Strauss and Neil Howe, who felt it was an appropriate name for the first generation to reach adulthood in the new.
Jan 17, 2019 · Learn how Pew Research Center defines and distinguishes the Millennial and Gen Z generations based on their birth years, formative experiences and characteristics. Find out why 1996 is the cutoff point between the two cohorts and what factors shape their views and behaviors.
Sep 2, 2022 · Learn when each generation was born and how they are defined by the events of their lifetime. Find out the age range of Gen X, millennials, Gen Z and more, and see the current generation of Gen Alpha.
