What it means to be born between 1977 and 1992... Artisan's Erica Keppel takes a moment to reflect on what it is like to be a Gen Y in the work place and rebel against those giving them a bad wrap.

If your going to sell your soul and submit to a term coined to stereotype the very fibre that binds our hot young Creative industry, you may as well do it right. Right?!

After a little research and development, we've devised a few pointers in coming to terms with the societal perception that can sometimes holds us back – though more importantly – one which gives us the "leg up" when it comes to employment.

So we’ve got a little 'attitude', will campaign the benefits of a 10am-4pm working day given half a chance and we're not adverse to requesting travel opportunities, a good salary and a few more perks thrown into our Job Descriptions. After all, we did invest on average between $10 and $30k into our tertiary education... right? Are we asking too much of our prospective employers?

In that case, what can we offer the industry that our predecessors cannot? How can we best sell ourselves to an apprehensive managerial generation, who have their reservations regarding our "laid back" demeanor and generally intimidating Web skills?

By accentuating the finer points of our baby booming foundations, the key is to exude that innate optimism and play on our hard earned confidence. By pin pointing our strong points and allowing these to shine through when writing a resume or attending an interview (or online registration), we not only consolidate our worth within the industry as a young and adaptable candidates, we also strengthen our own self worth as a professional.

Some of these benefits have been summarised in respective articles (sourced from various material online) such as:

* Our unique ability to grasp new concepts and technology... conversion to CS4 becomes a breeze instead of a drawn out nightmare among studio staff who want nothing but their Commodore 64 and an answer machine with a tape recorder built in (hello! - we update our mobile phones 6 monthly)

* We're easily excited and motivated by new ideas and developments (hell! We LIVE to be excited, bring it on!)

* We're charismatic and overly social - therefore interpersonal skills are a given and relationship building becomes a strength in a business environment.

* We're opportunistic, always seeing the potential and ready to jump on board and give anything a go.

* Technically "savvy" – a dab hand at anything that needs tinkering or training in for that matter, we keep up with trends well (how many of us relay upon iPhones, USBs, portable hard drives, laptops, Blackberries?! the list goes on..)

* Confident and “gung-ho” - a good sense of self worth and the ability to ask for what is required up front is an asset in many positions.

* Well traveled – worldly with the ability to gain perspective when required – invaluable in any role.

* Good humoured and relaxed – adding light heartedness to a possibly stressful environment (after all who doesn't appreciate a cheeky joke when the times get dark and gloomy in the office? We understand there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

Now, all things considered – there are some aspects of permanent employment that we may infact struggle with – and you certainly don't want to accentuate this during a potentially embarrassing interview.

Sure, you don't like the idea of being on "lock down" or, as Mick Jagger said, "under the thumb" in ANY job but the truth is that security becomes an attractive prospect when faced with the ebbing flow of a GFC, and we've all got bills to pay (not to mentioned that naughty little credit card) and short trips to fund right? So, before you turn your nose up at a two year contract or think you might throw in the towel after a good solid six months in the same role (OMG!!!!), take a step back and have a long hard think of the pros and cons. Displaying a little sincere commitment to any prospective employer can be worth it's weight in gold. A succession of short spells in a dozen companies over five years is not. Full stop.

The same goes for general tardiness and attendance on the job. Lets face it, we're often busy after hours; late nights, traffic and outside commitments take their toll – but perfection in the details is paramount – arriving early leaves no margin for error. You have a work face – now hold it! And working a few long hours every week doesn't go unnoticed in the large scheme of things.

Adding to these little faux pars is a more implicit side liner. Many of us are lucky enough to be mentored by more experienced, and perhaps even older staff members in roles. Whether it be pre–arranged or without us realising, this relationship is to be revered. Although we know a lot, have seen a lot and have a strong sense of ambition and independence, there are those who can teach us a wealth of knowledge and insight that we may not have yet gained through a long and diverse career, a different cultural background – or rich life experience. As difficult as it is to pass back the upper hand to someone who claims to know "best", we must be constructive, knowledge is power and the fact that another individual chooses to invest their own time into your career development is an opportunity not to be missed. Be grateful.

In the same token – be careful not to "burn your bridges". Some things just don't turn out the way we plan, and some environments just don't suit us – so why jeopardise our happiness, individuality or direction? This is completely valid, however take care in declining positions, ceasing contact with industry folk or resigning from a role – as you never know what is around the corner or who you may bump into. Try to remain subjective and not to take things personally. It’s a big bad world out there and you are now a working adult with your own integrity to build and protect.

Lastly, the necessity to step up and take responsibility is important. Learning from mistakes and taking on valuable advice is optimum in achieving an improved result next time. Self reliance for our own time, work load and working relationships is instrumental in moving forward within any position. This also applies to updating our own skill sets, and being proactive in learning more, essentially assisting the functioning of a business and "getting it done".

You can almost guarantee this behaviour will not go unnoticed (add a pinch of charm and your sailing!) – we are in fact at a major advantage as being the adaptable generation. With all of the change surging through the world's industry at a rate of knots, we're the best people around to weather the storm – we OWN the storm. So when preparing for the employment market, finally bringing those dreams into fruition, reign in those less than savory habits you have picked up on during long stints of leisurely travel. Ignore that non-committal streak you have been juggling for the past few years and can't seem to make stick. Embrace the fabulousness of the Gen Y pigeon hole and reach for the stars!!

For any Gen X or Baby Boomers wishing to comment, here is your opportunity! Simply click here and we'll publish your response in a future Xpose.