For the last several years’ employers have been sharpening their recruiting skills, targeting and adapting to the demands of the Millennials. Every employer constantly searches for the best ways to attract and hire some of the best young talent out there. However successful their efforts are, by now many employers have a system in place for recruiting this generation. Well, you may want to hold on to your recruiting hats as recruiting is about to get a whole lot more interesting as Generation Z is coming into play.
Generation Z is defined as anyone born after 1995. Their age range is roughly from ages 2-19 and although this group is still quite young, trust us when we say they will be a force to be reckoned with and they’re just getting started. As of today and according to the Census Bureau Gen Z represents more than 20% of the U.S. Population. A recent study released last December takes a closer look at Generation Z. From this study and our tips, we’ll get you ready for this upcoming generation.
1.Technology: We can’t express enough how technically inclined this group is. They are beyond the Millennials as they’ve grown up with either a smart phone or tablet/iPad in their hands. Access to technology is essential for this group, and they will most likely align themselves with companies that understand and support their technology demands. Companies with out-of-date tech practices will have a harder time recruiting these youngsters.
2.Diversity: According to the study, Gen Z is America’s most diverse to date. Multi-racial marriages are creating a more diverse generation. The Census Bureau reports that by 2020, over fifty percent of the children under 18 “are expected to be part of a minority race or ethnic group.” This group is living and thriving in a diverse world. Their families are diverse, and their friends and community members have equally diverse backgrounds. That said, Gen Z will expect a diverse work environment. Companies must constantly look for ways to improve their workforce diversity in order to attract this future talent.
3.Financially Conservative: Gen Zer’s have witnessed firsthand what a recession looks and feels like. In many cases, they’ve seen the effects of unemployment with their own homes and community. According to the report, Gen Zer’s are more concerned about racking up student loan debt and “believe that ‘a lot of money’ is evidence of success.” Because of these reasons, they are more likely to take a more cautious approach when it comes to their career choices and employers.
4. Entrepreneurial: Gen Z has a start-up mentality. A “recent Harvard Business Review article suggested that nearly 70% of Gen-Z teens were “self-employed” (e.g., teaching piano lessons, selling goods on eBay).” Look for some of the best creative minds coming out of this sector. This group will use their entrepreneurial spirit to find the right company to work for, or they’ll create their own businesses themselves.
At nearly 70 million in size and growing, the Generation Z group will require different recruiting approaches and those employers who are already communicating and preparing for their impact on the workforce will have the most success. Have you considered whether your company and recruiting tactics today can support the demands of our youth tomorrow?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency with over 20+years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
