Job hunting can be nerve-wracking, and Gen Z is sailing across this journey in their own way—sometimes with unexpected sidekicks; mom and dad. Yes, you read it right! What’s new and boiling is that Gen Z job-seekers are bringing their parents to interviews and well, it’s causing a bit of a stir among employers.
The new dynamics of job interviews
Job interviews aren’t what they used to be, and Gen Z is giving them a whole new spin. With these young folks being super close to their parents, it’s not uncommon to see their moms and dads getting involved in their job search. It’s like a family gathering, but the workplaces aren’t entirely sure how to feel about it.
The lines between a personal and a professional life have become blurred. Job-seekers, accustomed to receiving constant guidance and feedback, are now extending this involvement to the job application process.
According to a recent study, some businesses indicated they would be ready to pay more and provide better benefits to older workers to deter them from recruiting recent college grads.
What do the stats have to say?
In December 2023, 800 managers, directors, and executives active in hiring in the US participated in a Pollfish poll that was commissioned by Intelligent, an online magazine centred around student life.
Thirty-nine percent of responding businesses stated that, in part, young professionals don’t always create a strong first impression in job interviews; therefore, they prefer to hire older job-seekers over recent college graduates.
Over 50% of the employers said that young candidates found it difficult to look them in the eye during the interview, and over half said they demanded extravagant pay. Nearly 20% of the employers said that a recent college graduate had brought a parent to a job interview, and nearly half of the employers stated a young job-seeker showed up in unsuitable attire.
Of the employers who stated that they would rather hire older applicants, 60% stated that they would be ready to provide greater benefits, 59% stated that they would pay more, 48% stated that they would permit remote or hybrid working, and 46% stated that they would bring on overqualified candidates
It seems that young professionals are also known for being challenging to collaborate with. Employers overwhelmingly agreed that recent college graduates are “entitled”, with nearly two-thirds saying this is “very true” or “somewhat true”, and 58% agreeing that recent grads “get offended too easily”.
Bosses agree that recent graduates are ill-prepared for the workforce, with nearly 60% saying it is very or somewhat accurate. Over half of them also agree that young professionals “don’t respond well to feedback” and “have poor communication skills”.
Concerns and eyebrows have been raised at the newly graduated workforce
Employers are worried about Gen Z’s capacity to adjust to corporate life as a growing number of members of the younger generation have joined the workforce in recent years.
Major organisations like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG have reported that Gen Z recruits who graduated during the pandemic find it difficult to practise fundamental office decorum and communication skills.
These businesses have responded by providing additional training sessions on soft skills like email correspondence, business attire, and teamwork.
The rise of helicopter parenting in job interviews
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the term “helicopter parents”, which refers to parents who constantly watch over their kids and jump in to save them when anything goes wrong. But we are currently witnessing a unique kind of parenting style referred to as “lawnmower parents”.
At the college level, the physical presence necessary to hover for parents may be minimised. These are the quick-thinking parents who step in to protect their child from any potential discomfort, issue, or inconvenience.
While this parental involvement may be well-intentioned, it is leaving employers perplexed and concerned about the independence and decision-making abilities of these young professionals.
Navigating the transition to independence
While parental involvement is common during the early stages of one’s career, it is essential for Gen Z job-seekers to strike a balance between seeking guidance and asserting their independence. Here are a few tips for both job-seekers and parents:
Open communication
Job-seekers should communicate openly with their parents about the expectations of the job application process, establish boundaries, and make it clear when and where parental involvement is appropriate.
Professional development
Gen Z job-seekers must be encouraged to participate in professional development activities, such as networking events, workshops, and career counselling. This can boost their confidence and equip them with the skills needed to navigate the job market independently.
Parental support
Parents should play a supportive role, offering guidance without overshadowing their child’s decision-making process. The child must be encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and learn from both successes and failures.
While parental support is valuable, Gen Z job-seekers must recognise the importance of standing on their own in professional settings. Striking a balance between seeking guidance and asserting independence is crucial for a successful transition into the workforce. Employers, on the contrary, should approach these situations with understanding and consider the broader context of generational aspects in today’s job market.
(Tashia Bernardus)