Recruiting Gen Z employees is essential to building a high-powered workforce—one that will serve employers well today and in the future. After all, by 2030, Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce! To effectively recruit these up-and-coming movers and shakers, it’s key to know what makes them tick.
Gen Zers were born between 1997-2012, which means their lives have been shaped by the fast-paced, tech-driven 21st Century. The first true digital natives, they bring unique skills, values and expectations to the workforce.
Generally speaking, Gen Zers are well-educated, tech-savvy and perpetually connected. They have a world of data at their fingertips, which they can summon on demand. Many Gen Zers have a strong sense of social justice and environmentalism—yet are also pragmatists who value competitive salaries and career opportunities.
In other words, successfully recruiting Gen Z may require a slightly-different approach—including these strategies for appealing to and connecting with Gen Z talent.
According to research, 54% of Gen Z spends four or more hours per day consuming social media. To reach them on their home turf, it’s essential that employers utilize social media effectively. That may mean expanding your social media presence in terms of job posts and employer branding, while showcasing your company culture in an engaging (but not overtly-promotional) manner.
Not quite there yet? Ironically, for some HR teams, the answer may be to hire a Gen Z staffer to help drive this process in an authentic way.
Gen Zers aren’t merely comfortable with technology, it’s their second language—one that they expect their employers to speak fluently. You may need to speed and streamline your online application process, while ensuring it’s all mobile-friendly. And use text messaging and video conferencing to communicate with candidates, along with traditional emails and phone calls.
In addition, when talking with Gen Z candidates, it’s smart to emphasize the technology you’re using in the workplace and highlight any innovative projects currently underway.