Parental involvement is making a difference for Gen Z job seekers.
In an effort to find every possible advantage in the job search, Gen Zers are turning to the folks who have always helped the most: mom and dad. A recent survey of job seekers shows that 70% of Gen Zers ask their parents to help them find a job. Of those who find full-time employment, 83% credit parental guidance with successful results. Gen Z - individuals born between 1997 and 2012 - represents 32% of the world’s population, and will account for 27% of the workforce by next year, according to McKinsey.
Surprisingly, nearly 40% of Gen Zers say that a parent accompanied them to an in-person interview. Nearly 30% report that the parent went into the interview with them, and two times out of ten, the parent introduced themselves to the hiring manager.
Hiring Gen Z: A Package Deal?
One in 10 Gen Z job seekers had parents complete their HR screening calls, while 1 in 8 had their parents write their résumé from scratch. Moms are more helpful and supportive, as 76% of Gen Zers report getting help from their mothers (versus 45% receiving help from their fathers). For folks attending virtual interviews, 71% report that a parent was present, but off-camera, for support. Nearly 30% said that the parent was on-camera, and if the parent showed up on camera there was an 85% chance that the parent would speak directly to the hiring manager.
Does Gen Z Lack Opportunity - or Confidence?
Brendan Duke, senior director for economic policy at the Center for American Progress, tells CNN that “This is the best economy we’ve seen for younger workers that anybody can remember.” Their wages have gone up faster than inflation overall, and more quickly than any other age cohort, he added.
Last year, the unemployment rate for 16-to-24-year-olds was 7.9% - the lowest it’s been since 1953. Compare that figure to 2010, when the unemployment rate for that same age group was an eye-popping 18%.
However, there are multiple pressures facing Gen Z in the workforce - not the least of which is inflation, housing prices, and (wait for it) Instagram-influenced communication skills. Consider this recent TikTok screed that represents the anger and economic frustration of Gen Z, receiving over 2 million views and nearly 50,000 comments. The economic picture is not quite as rosy as the statistics might suggest, especially when you are inside the numbers.
Frustration is high, inside every generation, especially when it comes to finding a new opportunity. And what’s wrong with turning to other resources, when it’s time to search for a job? After all, lots of folks are turning to AI for résumé writing - why not turn to mom and dad for interview advice?
Confidence (or lack of confidence) can dictate how you show up in the job search process. For Gen Z job seekers, does working with your parents enhance or inhibit your confidence? Are you confident you can perform in the job when you are on your own? Hiring managers might enjoy meeting your entire team, but they are hiring you.
Good Intentions vs. Better Options in the Job Search
There’s nothing wrong with going to your parents for guidance and support. However, there’s something to be said for self-reliance. In other words, for Gen Z, recognize that you are capable of taking on the job search conversation. (If that’s not the case, maybe a coach can make a difference in your communication skills). A boost or an assist is smart - but is that “helping hand” actually a crutch?
Having worked with thousands of Gen Z clients over the last six months, my experience is not scientific, it’s experiential. I’ve seen the misunderstanding that plagues us all: namely, that we are not capable of doing things on our own. Can you relate?
In an age where AI is faster and better, and mom and dad have more experience and insight, we tend not to trust ourselves. Why not use every possible resource to find a job? Most parents always have your best interests at heart - despite what the survey says, most parents I know are willing to help 100% of the time.
The real question is: once you land the job, who can you rely on to keep it? The answer is always: yourself.
Recognize that you may be more resourceful than you realize. (If you’re wondering whether I wrote that sentence for Gen Z, or their parents, the answer is “yes”). We all have the ability to do things for the first time (getting a job, trying sushi, going on a zip line - you get the idea). We all have the capacity to deal with uncertainty - even uncertainty in the interview process - although everyone forgets that fact from time to time. Imposter syndrome is not age specific.
Luckily, neither is human resourcefulness. Like opposable thumbs, it’s a quality that all humans share. Turning to resources in the job search is just good business sense - why not ask your parents for guidance? (I wonder about the folks who don’t!)
However, after you land the job...you’re on your own. For Gen Zers in the job search process, consider that you may be more capable than you realize. Nothing wrong with an assist, if it helps you to move towards independence and impact. But what if Gen Z is more resourceful (and capable) than we realize? Many companies value independent thinking, as well as resourcefulness. Bring both qualities to your next interview, regardless of your birthday, and you’re on the right track.
