Information Technology Market: Recruiting the Net Generation

Federal CIOs will need to borrow tactics from the private sector to recruit talented young employees for the Government's growing IT workforce, according to a report issued by the Department of Defense and the White House.

The Net Generation, or Net-Geners (born between 1978 and 1994), was raised in the networked age of the Internet, mobile phones, email, telecommuting, and the highly publicized "work-as-play" environments of hi-tech private companies.

"This is the first generation that was brought up with information technology, and it's part of them," said Joyce France, Director of CIO Management Services, who helped spearhead the research and development of the report. She says young IT workers don't respond well to a "cookie-cutter" management approach.

To fulfill an ambitious agenda regarding the security, efficiency, and effectiveness of Government information, Federal CIOs and managers will need to prepare for a cascade of Boomer retirements in the coming years and adequately plan for their succession.
What the Net Generation Is Looking For

The report outlines some key recommendations for capturing and engaging Net-Gen talent, as well as for creating a Net-Gen-friendly work environment. These include:

* Vision/culture: Net-Geners want to know how they personally can contribute to the mission or vision of an organization, and they want accessible information (for example, via an agency website) about the "corporate culture."
* Job fit: Net-Geners want to know what the job entails, what "a day in the life" will be like, and which specific skills, functions, and responsibilities are part of the role.
* On-boarding: Net-Geners want fast and easy access to the cultural norms, tools, and networks they need for success.
* Professional development: Net-Geners seek opportunities for growth through job experiences, coaching/mentoring, and formal learning.
* Performance management and recognition: Net-Geners want tangible feedback on what is expected of them, how they are performing, how their performance is linked to their pay, and how they will be rewarded for success. (A survey found that 39% of Net-Geners expected daily or weekly feedback, as compared to 25% of Baby Boomers.)
* Web 2.0 technologies: The Net Generation wants to leverage social networking and related tools on the job, and expects 24/7 connectivity.
* Work/life balance: Net-Geners want as much freedom and flexibility as possible, meaning compressed schedules, flexible schedules, and telework opportunities.

More information:
http://www.informationtechnologymarket.com
http://www.technologyconference.com
http://www.technologyresearch.org