Y’s Up! 85 Tips From the Trenches to Help You Succeed in Today’s No-Guarantees Job Market

By James J. Simon and Nicole D. Simon
Paperback 192 pages
BookSurge Publishing $15.99

A quick skim of Y’s Up! 85 Tips From the Trenches to Help You Succeed in Today’s No-Guarantees Job Market is rather unimpressive. Many tips, such as “Number 60: Dressing to Impress,” seem so obvious that nobody should need a book for this advice. Others, such as “Number 10: Empowering Your PowerPoint,” seem very useless. Who in Generation Y doesn’t know how to use PowerPoint? Still other tips, such as “Number 16: Less is Sometimes More,” feel too cliché to apply in real-life situations.

However, an in-depth reading of Y’s Up! provides invaluable insight for anyone starting a career. James Simon and Nicole Simon have 25 years of combined experience in the business world and it shows in their work. It is clear that they have experience in both entry-level and managerial positions. From both perspectives, they offer advice on how to ace an interview, how to ensure a promotion, and how to secure a job in a tough economy.

Reading the tips that may seem dumb at first glance can actually be quite educational. Yes, everyone knows to dress for success, but not everyone knows what that entails. The authors offer more than just what is appropriate office wear. They offer advice on how to avoid a bad impression if someone spills his coffee on you during the day (a back-up shirt in the car never hurt anybody) and other scenarios that you may not think about until it is too late.

Their advice on PowerPoint is actually useful – even to technologically savvy Generation Y. Knowing how to use the program is not enough to guarantee success. Simon and Simon point out the traps that many people get caught in when presenting with PowerPoint. Too much information on one slide can be overwhelming and reading directly off the slide gives the impression that you are ill prepared and lack confidence.

Even the cliché “Less is Sometimes More” offers knowledge that could help a career. Everyone is guilty of being a little verbose at times or offering unnecessary information. Perhaps this seems innocent, but as the authors illustrate with another cliché, time is money and nobody in the office appreciates it when her time is wasted.

The one area lacking in this book is advice on obtaining a job. The final tip, “Number 85: Maximizing Your Chances for a Successful Interview,” is longer than any other tip. Yet, resumes are barely mentioned and many of the tips for interviews are not included in the real-life example, which makes it hard to translate their advice into action. Still, Simon and Simon acknowledge that there are other books better suited for those attempting to find jobs and ace interviews. This book is designed to guide those who already have jobs.

Overall, the authors provide excellent insight into the mind of a manager. Their book offers a unique perspective that could only be written by those who have been there. They provide the reader with detailed career advice, but more importantly, they create the mind-set of a person driven to succeed. With these tips, your career could go a long way.

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Even though the situation looks bleak, there may be hope for our generation. Some companies have managed to grow despite the recession, adding entry-level positions more often filled by recent college graduates.  HomeAway, a vacation rental Web site, is one of those businesses.

“We don’t consider the age of applicants when recruiting,” said Lori Knowlton, vice president of Human Resources at HomeAway. “But we do find that we have many entry level applicants for our customer support and telesales roles. The most successful applicants for these jobs often have one to two years of experience in a customer service role and have strong technical skills.”

Other companies have grown around Generation Y. Homescout Realty, a Chicago real estate company, was recently ranked the 16th best workplace in the Windy City for Generation Y.

“The age range of our agents works with the age range of our clients,” said Jordan Wilson, business operations manager for Homescout. “Our clients are all recent graduates and it is easier for our agents of the same demographics to connect with them. They are able to build relationships and build their careers with these clients. They will help them rent an apartment now and help them buy in the future.”

Still, a struggling economy makes finding jobs difficult, especially when fighting against negative stereotypes. As pointed out by Jason Dorsey, author of Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business, many employers have bought in to the idea that Generation Y isn’t as committed to hard work as previous generations.

“The biggest apprehensions I hear about Generation Y are that we act like we should be rewarded for doing the minimum, that we don’t carry ourselves in a professional manner at work, that we want constant praise, and that we are disloyal because we tend not to work for one company for many years,” Dorsey said. “It’s important to note that not all employers feel this way, but the ones who do tend to be quite vocal.”

On the other hand, Dorsey said that Generation Y does have some redeeming qualities. We are known for being technologically savvy, optimistic, good problem-solvers, and always striving for self-improvement. These qualities have not gone unnoticed by employers.

“In our entry level roles, our employees are using multiple systems to help our customers manage their property listing,” said Knowlton of HomeAway. “So it’s important to be able to solve problems effectively using a variety of tools and techniques.”

The key to landing a job, according to Dorsey, is highlighting these skills and addressing the concerns that employers may have.

“Focus on your achievements, desire to work hard, and willingness to learn on the job,” Dorsey advised. “Confront the Gen Y stereotypes head on. Let the potential employer know that you are committed to being on time – or a few minutes early – dressing professionally, working well with others of all ages and backgrounds, and trying to build a career rather than just look for a job.”

A lack of experience does not always mean that an applicant has nothing to offer a potential employer, Dorsey added. “One other tip taken from the front lines of job seeking: emphasize your past achievements rather than responsibilities. Potential employers want to know what you have accomplished and this could extend into the community or school if you don’t have much work experience.”

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Well, here’s your opportunity. Zynga, the company responsible for two of the most popular Facebook apps, is teaming up with Hidden Agenda to sponsor a contest for individuals or teams of up to eight full-time undergraduate or graduate students to create a fun way for high schoolers to learn.

Children across the country are falling through the cracks of the education system. Unfortunately, many school districts lack the resources needed to educate their students while others limit their students by using only traditional methods of teaching, which can leave many children behind.

Hidden Agenda, a nonprofit foundation based in Austin, Texas, seeks to rectify this problem.  Established in 2003, the foundation was originally designed to facilitate the development of educational online video games.

“Everyone has the right to a great education,” said Lauren Davis, executive director of Hidden Agenda. “But so few people are getting it, whether it’s for socioeconomic reasons or learning methods. Education is the number one thing that leads to success. We can use technology to keep kids engaged and to help them learn.”

That initial year, Hidden Agenda started the first contest for educational video game development when it asked college students around the country to work throughout the school year to build the best games possible for middle school students. The prize, $25,000 cash, was awarded for the most educational, entertaining, and innovative video game.

Since then, winners have included Elemental, a game similar to Tetris where players combine elements in various ways that educate them about the periodic table, and AlebraAracade, where players make their way through a maze while collecting numbers and symbols that help them solve puzzles in order to win points.

This year, Hidden Agenda decided to switch platforms, moving to where their audience hangs out the most.

“We’ve always been ahead of the curb,” Davis said. “And we are trying to stay that way. Kids are spending more time on Facebook. We want to stay current and connect with them.”

Davis also believes that by joining forces with Zynga, the contest should entice more applicants who might soon be looking for jobs. Zynga is providing the $25,000 cash award as well as serving as an advisor.

“Zynga is always looking for the top talent at universities,” Davis said. “They are growing rapidly and this is a great opportunity [for applicants] to display [their] work.”

In the past, participants have been allowed to choose their school subject. This year, however, the subject will be chosen through a vote of the people. The only requirement is that it’s a high school subject in every state in the union. You can vote on the discussion board from now through Dec. 15, when Hidden Agenda will announce the official subject.  Applications are due Jan. 15.  A panel, including representatives from Zynga and Hidden Agenda as well as students and teachers, will select the winner.

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(Photo by: guimby on Flickr)

The great health insurance debate has been raging since the 2008 primaries. For the most part, legislative leaders aren’t arguing about whether reform is needed, but about how to do it. But in this war of words between Democrats and Republicans, it is hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Below are 10 terms you need to know when following the health insurance reform debate.

1. Public Option

The public option refers to government-run health coverage that would be similar to Medicare. The public option would not be mandatory. Individuals covered by the public option would be able to choose their doctors. The public option would not set plan prices for all insurance companies. Those who oppose the public option worry that it may force private insurers out of business if its prices are too low.

2. Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is any health condition or illness that individuals had prior to their first day of initial coverage on a new plan, including pregnancy. An insurer does not have to provide coverage for a pre-existing condition. Insurers have been accused of stretching the definition of pre-existing conditions to avoid paying for costly procedures. If health coverage becomes mandatory for all individuals, insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions.

3. “Death Panels”

“Death panels” is a term used to describe rumors surrounding Medicare reform that would cover appointments with doctors to discuss living wills and other issues dealing with the end of life. The government will not be able to determine whether or not someone is worthy of health care. Reform will not require seniors to undergo counseling on how to end their lives sooner.

4. Health Care Co-Operatives

A health care cooperative, or co-op, is a member-owned system that offers a network of health care providers or contracts out for medical services. Co-ops are not for profit. There are currently co-ops in the United States that successfully provide medical care for their members. Co-ops are being offered as an alternative to a public option in some health reform bills.

5. Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that provides health care for people aged 65 and older and people with certain disabilities. Medicare benefactors have already benefited from reform. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, negotiated a deal with the pharmaceutical industry this summer that created medication discounts for seniors.

6. Medicaid

Medicaid is a government program that provides health care for low-income individuals and families. It is administered by the states. Medicaid does not give money to individuals. Payments are instead sent straight to the health providers. Health insurance reform could change who is eligible for Medicaid.

7. Sen. Baucus’ Plan

Sen. Baucus drafted this bill which passed the Senate Finance Committee on Oct. 13. The Baucus Plan would require individuals to have health insurance or pay an annual penalty that would vary by income. Medicaid eligibility would be expanded to include everyone with an income up to 133 percent of the poverty line. Employers would not be required to provide insurance, but they would have to reimburse the government for the tax credits used to help individuals buy their own insurance. The plan does not include a public option, but instead calls for health co-ops.

8. Senate HELP Committee Plan

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s Plan would require individuals to have health insurance. Those who do not would be subject to a tax penalty. The plan would set up state gateways, which would certify participating insurers and provide enrollment in Medicaid. Medicaid would be expanded to include everyone with an income up to 150 percent of the poverty line. A public option would be created through the state gateways.

9. House Tri-Committee Plan

The House Tri-Committee Plan would require individuals to have health insurance or pay a 2 percent income tax that could not exceed the national average of health care premiums. A National Health Insurance Exchange would be created to offer four levels of benefits. A public option would be created through the exchange, but would only be available to people without coverage. Medicaid would be expanded to include everyone with an income up to 133 percent of the poverty line. Employers would be required to offer insurance. Employers would also be required to pay for 72 percent of individual premium costs or pay 8 percent into the exchange. Small businesses would be exempt.

10. House GOP Plan

House Republicans have created their own health insurance plan, but have yet to file a bill. The plan does not require individuals to have coverage. There would be no public option. State health care exchanges would be encouraged, but not required. Medicare and Medicaid would not be expanded, but beneficiaries would be able to transfer their coverage to another plan if it is better suited to them.

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