John, I don't think generation has much to do with it to be honest, it will always come down to the individual.  I think thorough interviewing of each candidate is your best bet.  They say millenials hope around a lot, but I'm one of them, and I'd still be with the first company I joined out of college were it not for the 08' market issues.

I've met some older folks with a great grasp on technology, how to use it, and how to market with it effectively & efficiently, and younger people that don't know anything beyond facebook and Yelp.  Likewise, I've seen older & younger people with varying levels of work ethic.  Boils down to the individual, their fit in the position, and how badly they want it.

I would prefer the boomer due to hands on experience.

This is a hot button topic.  I would never choose by anything other than the ability to handle the job.  Generation should never be a factor in hiring....period!  

I will take experience over book smarts anyday.  Common sense will always win out in my opinion.

What is the focus of the position?  Is it managing people?  Is it social media and technology?  Is it sales manager?  All of the above?

I like the idea of an experienced person (probably a Boomer) who brings a wealth of experience, a confident calmness, enthusiasm and a desire to continue to learn and teach.

In my mind, that person would bring a great blend of old school work ethic and customer service with social media and technology.  As a side note, I've found that top salespeople often make poor sales managers.

No one with even the slightest sense of entitlement should be considered.

Experience - successful experience - is a lot more valuable than any degree for the same price. 

I vote Boomer. Experience is priceless and the right Boomer will bring more to the table. My personal experience when hiring in my team, older workers tend to stick around. Younger workers are looking for the next best thing....

Good Luck!

Having just read an article stating that the majority of young folks won't take a job unless they can bring their phone or tablet - and using them during work hours - I'd go with the boomer!

Of course there are exceptions, but far too many young people today don't have any work ethic at all. They've spent too many years having everything handed to them.

Old Guys Rock.  That being said I would take a look at other intangibles and go with the best.  If you go with experience make sure they are flexible and not locked into old models.

Millennials can bring a different approach and energy but plan on a learning curve to real world realities versus the theories of academia.  There is defintely no loyalty beyond their facebook friends so it may be a short term employment.  Just looking to build resume time. Baby Boomers are typically a longer term and can bring stability and less emotional baggage to the office....usually.  I agree that it really comes down to personality, to be a team player.  If the person has the skill set you are seeking, works well with others, positive attitude, problem solver and takes ownership of the position, give them a shot.  

The millennial will probably not stay long but may bring you to new heights while they are there. It depends if you want stability or very progressive thinking.

I say the person most qualified for the job.

I have seen "mature" folks who are just as bad as some of the stereotypes of "younger" folks. Remember, we all age, but if someone has bad work habits they will have them until the day they die. LOL.  I've also seen (and been) a very responsile go getting younger person. Now that I'm moving from the middle to the more mature, I still say...The one most qualified.  We have to click and they need the skills necessary to do the job and the commitment. 

It depends on the skills they possess to produce their tasks, doesn't it?  Experience is more valuable to me but most experienced and productive managers are already working and their compensation demands might be more than is budgeted, so as Thomas, #54, states, more information is necessary in order to provide an answer.

Millenials would normally be considered more tech savvy, while Boomers would normally be considered steadier, more reliable workers.

But in each group there are the exceptions. So without more information on an individual job candidate you would have to ask some pointed questions that are connected to the work you need done.

These are all great comments and I agree you shouldn't choose based just on age but the facts are the way we do business has changed.  So you may not choose by chronological age but their "technology" age.  

It is tough to pick someone that you don't relate with. That is why you are leaning towards another older person like yourself. However, getting a younger person in the office might help you learn about that generation. That said hire experience for management and a younger person to groom. A good mentor will stock his pipeline full of future leaders.

Praful Thakkar was referring to the DISC personality assessment test.  You can learn a lot about the way a potential applicant thinks based on the results.  It is difficult to influence the outcome of the test so the results can be quite revealing but in no way would I take them as gospel.  I've hired Millenials and Boomers and experienced the best (and worst) of both.  If you can find a solid, tech-savvy Boomer, I'd say you found the best of both worlds.  

I'll take the boomer 90% of the time! Maybe 99% of the time!

I agree with many who have posted here that you need to look at each person as an individual. The salary and benefits are the same no matter who you hire. You need someone who can understand and implement your vision. Period.

John I don't see myself retiring.  Now maybe it is just me, but I like my job, but I do need to go at a slower pace than I used to.  I am 54.  I can no longer work 10-12 hours a day on a regular basis like I used to.  No longer want to drive 50k miles a year for work.  

Work ethics is usually the result of good parenting. :)

DISC them! Or even better - AVA them. Irrespective of their age, you'd know if they are a good team player or are ambitious bird.

Baby Boomer, without a doubt.  Better work ethics for the most part.

John DL Arendsen - What do you mean "so far"?  ;-)

A Baby Boomer with forward thinking ideas would be my choice and with core values that match ours.  I have known some 80 and 90 year olds who can run circles around the millenials...A

I would go for the Boomer.....being one myself.  Your questions are always interesting.

John - Think about what you want that position in your business to do, and figure out which person best meets those skills/abilities. It shouldn't really matter their age or experience.

I think it depends on what you need.  A Millenial is quite tech savvy and can easily fulfill project needs that require technical assistance.  While a baby boomer understands relationship building and MAY not be as tech savvy.