Can we learn anything from members of different generations when it comes to job search? Consider the following things Millenials (born between the late 1970s and early 2000â€s) do that all job seekers should do:

Use social networking to connect and extend your network. While some criticize Gen Y for sacrificing in-person conversations and preferring to communicate via text messages and Facebook, everyone could learn something from this generationâ€s ability to extend their networks via online tools. Donâ€t underestimate the importance of your digital footprint – what people can find out about you online.

Collaborate. Gen Y is known for their interest in interaction, collaboration, and connectivity. Other generations can gain a lot if they embrace the interconnectedness that extends networking beyond lip service to actual engagement.

Demonstrate flexibility and multitask effectively. Most people would agree that gen Y-ers are some of the most agile and lithe workers.

Be creative and innovative. In Forbes, Jenna Goudreau quoted Amy Lynch, co-author of The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace, as saying, “Millennials are not locked into limited, linear patterns of thinking about industry issues or challenges.”

Seek more than just a paycheck. Goudreauâ€s Forbes post also quotes Paul Alofs, author of Passion Capital. He said, “An employeeâ€s passion is the companyâ€s best resource. When peopleâ€s jobs are aligned with what they care about, they put in the extra effort, and it flows straight to the bottom line.”

Get experience where you can. Gen Y-ers actively participate in internships, volunteer work, online learning, and embrace leadership opportunities large and small. If youâ€re having a hard time landing a job, think about what you might be able to do to

Move on. Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner of Millennial Branding, notes that his companyâ€s studies show that Millennials leave their corporations at the two-year mark. While pundits pin  this tendency to a lack of loyalty on the part of Gen Y workers, thereâ€s another angle to this often-cited statistic. How many experienced workers stay in their jobs beyond the time when they are learning, growing, and enjoying the jobs?

Consider owning a business. Millennial Branding found th number of 18 to 29-year-olds in the process of setting up their own companies increased by 50% in the last year alone. In the future, more and more professionals will need to be able to market themselves as independent contractors or business owners. Gen X and Baby Boomers should begin to think about how they can succeed as entrepreneurs.

Read the rest on my column at U.S. News & World Reports.

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Changing careers is more a norm today than ever before. However, higher than normal unemployment means there are many more job-seekers applying for each job, and many have exactly the type of skills the employer is seeking. Career changers of all ages have a difficult time proving that they have what it takes to succeed in their targeted positions. Social media can help bridge the gap, as it may help you:

• Find information and trends in your targeted field
• Access experts and potential mentors
• Connect with recruiters and learn about positions

If you think social networking is having a conversation across the picket fence, LinkedIn is the latest video game, Twitter is something that birds or gossips do, and you don’t know a blog from a log, it will be difficult to be an attractive candidate for a job — no matter what your age. It’s not only important to know about these resources, it’s crucial to know how to leverage them for a successful job hunt. Social networking is a relevant and mandatory part of an active, engaged job search — especially for someone attempting to change careers. For baby boomers, using these tools helps demonstrate you are interested in and willing to learn new skills.

Read my colleagues’ replies.

photo by MyDigitalSLR

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