Managers don’t want to hire Gen Z candidates
30% of hiring managers say they’ve fired a Gen Z candidate within a month of their start date.
Many Gen Zers missed out on critical workplace experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and hiring managers are starting to see the effects.
A new study by ResumeBuilder found that 3 out of 10 hiring managers say they avoid hiring Gen Z candidates. Out of the managers who did hire a Gen Z candidate, 30% said they were fired within a month of their start date.
Bad interview etiquette, entitlement and shortcomings in the workplace are all reasons hiring managers said they avoid hiring Gen Z candidates. Nearly 60% of managers said Gen Zers are entitled, get offended too easily and don’t respond well to feedback, according to the study.
When it comes to the hiring process, managers found that Gen Z candidates frequently act inappropriately. According to the study, hiring managers said over 30% of Gen Z candidates don’t seem engaged, aren’t prepared for the interview and don’t ask questions. Nearly 60% of candidates weren’t dressed appropriately and struggled with eye contact.
Many Gen Zers have worked in predominantly remote or hybrid settings upon entering the workforce as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder said, “This departure from the traditional in-person learning environment impacted their ability to hone crucial skills, such as effective communication, handling constructive criticism and observing others to build their professional acumen.”
Related: Report: Gen Z and millennials won’t hesitate to walk away from a toxic workplace
The study found that 6 out of 10 hiring managers said Gen Z workers are entitled. Those who have worked with Gen Z candidates say over 30% are late to start work, don’t use appropriate language for work and can’t manage the workload. Over half of the hiring managers surveyed said that Gen Z workers lack motivation and work ethic, have poor communication skills and are unprepared for the workforce.
ResumeBuilder recommends that managers who are looking to hire Gen Z candidates should recognize the unique workplace challenges faced by the generation as they adjust to the new organization’s culture.