Studies show that Gen Zers are the most challenging group cohort to work with.
Gen Zers in The Workforce
Gen Z's greatest strength is their tendency to challenge the status quo more than other generations, Dr. Benjamin Granger, chief workplace psychologist at Qualtrics, told CNBC Make It.
Because of their outspoken advocacy for a healthier workplace, other cohorts refer to them as 'privileged' or 'entitled' members of the workforce.
While being a nuisance in the workforce, this particular cohort has also been shown to struggle even before entering the job market.
The New York Post reports that a recent survey of 800 U.S. managers, directors, and executives involved in hiring revealed that Gen Z candidates are struggling in interviews. One in five employers noted that recent college graduates often arrive unprepared, with common issues such as lack of eye contact, inappropriate dress, and unrealistic salary expectations.
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Interview Etiquette Gen Zers Aren't Aware Of
Emily Levine, executive vice president of Career Group Companies, told CNBC Make It that Gen Zers are not aware of interview etiquette.
Levine has been interviewing job candidates for several years, recruiting for real estate, consulting, and finance sectors, including celebrity A-listers seeking personal assistants.
Over her decade-long career, she has observed a range of wild behaviors during job interviews, particularly done by Gen Zers:
Taking an Interview from Bed
Levine once overheard her colleague asking a candidate for a personal assistant position if she usually takes interviews from bed because it was not a good impression. The candidate responded that she would move to the couch when she was not feeling lazy.
When interviewing from home, Levine advises candidates to choose a desk, kitchen table, or any location with a professional background and a tidy room. If such a space is unavailable, using a blurred or stock background can be helpful. To enhance the interaction, Levine also suggests showing enthusiasm, eye contact, nodding in agreement, and smiling at appropriate moments.
According to Indeed, selecting a tidy area free of clutter is essential when setting up your computer. The background should be simple and contain only professional-looking items to ensure the interviewer focuses on you and the conversation rather than distractions behind you.
Candidates are Completely Naked on The Bottom
Candidates have also appeared in different states of undress, which Levine finds embarrassing.
One candidate showed up wearing a bathrobe to the Zoom call, and another appeared wearing appropriate tops while completely unclothed on the bottom, which Levine noticed when they unintentionally adjusted their phone camera. Most recently, Levine interviewed a young woman for an entry-level HR position with a similar clothing choice, who was not aware that there was a full-length mirror behind her.
"If these candidates don't consider presenting themselves well for a potential job, what would they think is appropriate in their actual work environment?" Levine contemplates.
Professionalism involves adhering to basic etiquette and acceptable workplace behaviors, encompassing how you dress, enter the interview room, smile, and introduce yourself to the hiring manager.
