Gen Z: Who They Are and How You Can Prepare to Recruit Them

Move over Millennials, there is a new generation entering the job market! In 2020, Gen Z will make up 20% of the workforce. There has been so much talk and advice on how to best recruit Millennials, that Gen Z – speculatively the most tech savvy generation – has gone unnoticed! Until now.

But Who IS Gen Z?

Generation Z is the generation after the Millennial generation. They are defined as people born in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s (more specifically, 1996 – 2014), and they currently account for 25% of the U.S. population. Yes, they are larger than the Baby Boomers and the Millennials!

Gen Z’s Top Qualities

Technology – This generation is quite literally wired. They have never known a world without an internet! Those on the younger side have never even known a world without smartphones. On average, Gen Z spends between 6 – 9 hours per day absorbing media. Unsurprisingly, their preferred method of communication is digital.

Diversity ­– Gen Z is very diverse. Six of the 15 most common last names in the United States were of Hispanic origin in 2010, compared to none of the top 15 in 1990.

Independent ­– Okay, so they’re not exactly independent of technology. But they are more independent than their preceding generations due to a “hands-off” parenting approach. This has led to Gen Z being self-directed and confident, although this can sometimes be associated with a lack of boundaries.

Gen Z Hiring Trends

This may come as a shock given the stereotype of the “lazy” Millennials, but 77% of Gen Z is actually expected to work harder than their previous generations! They believe that the most important components that make up a great job are a great work/life balance, stability, and performing “fulfilling” work – And they are willing to work hard for the right job.

Currently, 56% of Gen Z does not have a job, 37% are working part-time, 7% are full-time workers. As more will enter the workforce by the year 2020, 75% of this generation will be looking for careers that not only provide stability, but healthcare and benefits as well. They’re also searching for positions that will allow them to perform multiple roles within the same place of employment. As of right now, healthcare is the #1 career pursued by Gen Z, with marketing coming in at the #2 spot.