Understand Gen Z in 7 Simple Steps

Kids! Who gets them?

“Why can’t they be like we were, perfect in every way?” The age-old lament popularized in Bye Bye Birdie lives on.

But fight it all you want kids are the future and there are even things to be learned from the little ones. The kids of today are the people you will want to attract to your company in the coming years. Millenials workers have surpassed gen Xers in numbers as of 2015 and now Gen Z is soon to follow. 

Generation Z (Gen Z) includes those born after 1996, which means some of them are already 21! Before you know it the applications will pour in from the iGeneration who never knew life before the internet. 

We partnered with Novorésumé to help you understand the workers on the horizon in just seven simple steps.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

A recent survey conducted on 4,769 high-school students revealed that 72% of the students wish to start a business at some point. They have easy access to knowledge, resources, and programs that previous generations didn’t so their dreams are big.

Less Money-Driven

Gen Z thinks differently about money than Millennials. Generation Z didn’t experience the economic crises of 2007-2008 as severely as Millennials so they aren’t as focused on financial security. 

Traditional Methods of Communication

Even if they cannot imagine life without technology and their smartphone, Gen Z appreciates you taking the time for a face-to-face meeting which communicates to them that you treat them with respect as equals.

Gen Z Expects Honesty

Having a short attention span, Gen Z-ers will easily get bored in a company that does not challenge them or takes them seriously. They expect the company to be transparent about their goals and communicate how they, as individuals, factor into achieving them.

The Need for Feedback

Gen Z prioritizes interpersonal relationships in a workplace. Therefore, make sure to start with the positive feedback and show your willingness to help.

Require Individual Challenges

They are seeking companies that can help them thrive, which should not be confused with selfishness. They want to constantly be challenged and will challenge the status-quo when a better solution has been identified.

Clear Path to Career Success

When working or hiring someone from Gen Z, you need to be a visionary and explain to them where they will be in two, five, even ten years.