Working with Gen Zers

The media has focused a lot on millennials in recent years, but now it’s time to give some attention to the millennials’ future co-workers: Gen Zers.  

According to Forbes.com, Generation Z is made up of “those born between 1995 and 2010, which means that the oldest are about 22 and are just entering the workforce”

As a recruiter, I have placed several recent graduates in their first “real” job, and I can honestly tell you it has been refreshing to work with these young candidates!

They're pragmatic

• Gen Zers are not motivated by dollars and cents, but rather by their own abilities to shine through. They are skipping the higher education than their millennial counterparts and going straight into the workforce. 
• They want to be successful and not necessarily work in teams, but rather be individual contributors. 
• They don’t mind working hard especially where they can learn and grow their toolbox. 
• They want to receive recognition by their own efforts, to be acknowledged for their own contributions. 
• They are products of parents who may have been hit pretty hard with the collapse of the housing industry or losing their jobs from 2008-2010. They had real life struggles in their own households, and it made a lasting effect on these kids.

They've been “connected” to the world since birth! 

92% of Gen Z literally have a digital footprint … born with a computer in their hand! They have always lived in a connected world and have no idea what an 8-track tape player, cassette player, or a dial telephone connected to the wall is- which is crazy but true! What’s exciting is because they have always been connected to technology, it is nothing for them to seriously do an amazing amount of multi-tasking. They are not really distracted, as it comes naturally for them. It’s actually quite awe-inspiring!

They're entrepreneurial

I have read that 72% of Gen-Z high school students want to start their own business. They are linked back to their parents’ traits and looking for the rewards of hard work and financial success, and ultimately fulfilling their personal dreams. Also, 55% of Gen Z prefer to talk face-to-face rather than instant messaging or email-imagine that!?

With all these great qualities and skills, these young candidates are still naïve to the workforce and unsure how to navigate this exciting, yet scary new world. I am honored to be able to share my knowledge, wisdom years of and by coaching these Gen Zers and help place them in their first successful “real life" jobs!

Here’s to our future!