As a twenty-something in the workforce, you will be questioned time after time. Here are three ways to build credibility:
1. Develop skills that travel.
Most likely, you'll change jobs 6-8 times before your thirty. You need to develop a set of talents that will travel with you from job to job. Career coaches call these transferable skill sets (e.g. communication, interpersonal, and management skills). Essentially, the skills you've been developing since grade school. Consistently developing these abilities will not only open the door to any job you want, but will make you successful wherever you go.
2. Hug thy naysayer.
Generation Y wants to be liked. We grew up being coddled by our parents, and frankly think we're the best thing on earth and like to be told so. Not everyone agrees with us however, and a lot more don't even like us.
While it's important not to get wrapped up in what others think, you need to build relationships, even with the people bringing you down. Learning to deal with criticism effectively is about knowing yourself, who you are, and what your motivations are for working.
The next step is to develop mutual respect. When comments get heated on my blog, I often email the person and talk to them individually. I say thank you a lot, even when their thoughts make me want to scream. I appreciate that they've taken the time to respond to what I had to say. It's best to engage in conversation when all the players are at the table. That's how you learn.
3. Don't work harder, work smarter.
When a twenty-something doesn't show up to the office at 9 AM, the rest of the world worries. But our generation works differently. Make sure it's in your contract that your performance isn't based on when you show up to work, but if you get the job done. And if you want to wear jeans to work every day, say so. Be upfront about how you can add the most value. You'll work better if you're able to choose how you are productive, and your results will speak for themselves.
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