The last person to interview for the job you have advertised might have put you off a little bit.

The spiked hair, the tattoos, coming to the interview in jeans and sneakers were all reason enough not to hire him.

But then you look at the application and realize he graduated top of his class last year in computer programming, so he might just be perfect for your job opening in IT.

Getting past the differences of the younger generation (Generation Y) and recognizing the talents they have to help your organization was the topic at Monday’s Lunch and Learn training seminar for the Choctaw Nation at the Choctaw RV Park conference room.

“This event was a collaboration between the Choctaw Nation training program and Choctaw Casino program,” said Tammy Johnson, director of training for the Choctaws.

“We’re hoping to implement techniques that help to bridge the generational gap between those doing the hiring and the people they hire,” Johnson said.

Sherri Elliott, author of “Ties and Tattoos, Turning Generational Differences into a Competitive Advantage,” gave a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation to those in attendance.

Elliot explained the basic differences between the “generational personalities” of the last four generations, emphasizing Generation Y and their character traits because they are the next work force.

“While they may need to be stroked a little more than past generations, their technological savvy alone is one of the key reasons why companies need to improve the communication between their generation and ours,” she said.

She cited many other positive traits of the younger set, including an ability to multitask, wanting advancement opportunities and needing to make a difference.

Elliott has a H.R. consulting firm in Dallas and has worked with organizations, including the Dallas Mavericks and Winstar Casino.