September 05, 2023

Recruiting Gen Z

By 2025, Baby Boomers will have reached retirement age and Gen Z and Millennial talent will be the majority of the workforce. With Gen Z intending to stay in roles for only 2-3 years, leaning into company attributes that resonate with Gen Z students will foster their recruitment and retention.

Gen Z Recruiting Trends

Gen Z candidates are ushering in a new era of workforce dynamics, challenging norms and prompting UR teams to reevaluate their recruitment strategies. While some may perceive Gen Z students as entitled due to their high salary expectations, enforced boundaries, and flexibility requirements, a shift in perspective to instead see Gen Z as empowered can enable UR teams to meet students where they are. 

While Gen Z students feel empowered, they still need guidance. Given their limited exposure to business norms and the unconventional circumstances surrounding their education during the COVID-19 pandemic, being upfront with students and clarifying expectations will ensure everyone is aligned. 

Additionally, with 48% of Gen Z in the U.S. being non-white, Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history. This necessitates a shift in recruiting strategies to prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as authenticity and representation are significant priorities for Gen Z. They value a workplace where individuals in management positions come from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Are there people of color, women, or trans or non-binary people in leadership positions?”

– History Major, ’23

Ultimately, many Gen Z students know what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. While this fact may be daunting for some teams, engaging with these students is more straightforward than it may seem. By authentically communicating with Gen Z and leveraging our data-driven research to highlight the values that resonate most with them, teams can establish meaningful connections that make Gen Z feel heard and understood. Embracing these strategies will pave the way for success with Gen Z talent, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment.