Graduates Use Text Messaging L3tt3rs in Job Applications
In a development that must be causing fits of alarm in human resource offices everywhere, it appears that some college students and recent graduates are using cell phone text message (SMS) abbreviations and gaming slang in their job applications. This development has prompted some employers and education institutions to provide these candidates with special courses in written communication.
Now I can understand why I'd want to c if u or my bff r ok using abbreviations, but candidates of all ages need to appreciate that they need to demonstrate that they're the most highly qualified candidate for the job and to do that they need to speak the language used by the employer. It is most likely that the application will be reviewed by a Gen X'er or Baby Boomer and few of those understand SMS abbreviations and even fewer like to use them. So the best strategy is to use the abbreviations with your bff, but not with your potential employer.
Fantastic!!! this is gr8
In addition, we actually have employers who when using our interviews add an essay question purely to see if college students write like they text!!!
The new millennials need to come to the realization that the world doesn't revolve around them and that they need to evolve and grow up. If you think about it though, people are constantly trying to find ways to screen candidates and whether or not they use text writing on their applications and resumes is one heck of a litmus test.
Thanks for all you do Steven.
Cheers
Mark Newman
CEO, HireVue
In a perfect world, everything would revolve around me.
Although I wholeheartedly agree with this message, we can see from Mark's reply that there is a resentment towards the millennials' (stereotyped) attitudes. It's difficult to sort through that resentment to see the talent within. That being said, it's absolutely ridiculous to speak on an application or resume as if talking to ur bffl.
This group now makes up a large percentage of the workforce so we Gen X-ers and baby boomers need best figure out how to recruit, retain and develop their talent. Unfortunately, that might mean more tolerance and nurturing of the candidate with obvious potential.