How to Hire Gen Z Generation and Understand Their Recruitment Needs?

Overview

Gen Z, also known as Generation Z, is the most recent generation to come of age and join the workforce. According to new Stanford-affiliated research, some of Gen Z’s essential characteristics include being highly collaborative, self-reliant, and pragmatic. So, with time, employers need to understand this generation’s requirements when hiring them. This article will discuss what employers can do to better understand Generation Z recruiting, including how to attract, engage, and retain these job seekers. It will also provide tips on creating an attractive workplace culture and using technology and social media to engage them. Finally, It will discuss how to create a recruitment process that meets the needs of this recent generation.

How to Hire Gen Z Generation Candidates?

The Gen Z population has some distinct characteristics and values that differ from the previous generations. So, here are certain strategies that you can follow to attract and recruit Gen Z employees: 

• Engage in Contemporary Platforms

Before recruiting Gen Z candidates, it is important to identify the sources of their talent. Employers should make use of contemporary platforms and practices to attract Gen Z candidates.

• According to a Pew Research Center survey, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are the top social media sites among 18 to 24-year-olds. So, utilize social media networks such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube to reach out to top talents.

• Leverage influencers, videos, and other creative content to capture attention and build a compelling employer brand.

• Utilize technology to streamline and personalize the recruitment process from start to finish. Use video interviewing and virtual recruitment platforms to make recruitment more efficient and accessible. 

• Understand and include a Gen Z Approach

Companies and businesses need to understand and consider the Gen Z requirements to hire them. Research the values and interests of Gen Z candidates and understand how they differ from other generations. According to new Stanford-affiliated research, some of Gen Z’s essential characteristics include being highly collaborative, self-reliant, and pragmatic. So, employers should focus on offering a work culture that resonates with these candidates, which is open, inclusive, collaborative, and emphasizes career development. 

• Renew your recruiting strategies

Recruiting Generation Z candidates requires a different approach than for previous generations. So, stay updated with the new recruitment trends and renew your recruitment strategies accordingly to cater to this particular generation.

• Keep updating job descriptions to clearly communicate the responsibilities of the roles on major social media sites and job portals.

• Regularly add new job postings and remove the old ones to keep the candidates updated about the new positions.

• Create a strong media presence by highlighting the various employee benefits you offer to emphasize the benefits of joining your company. 

• Offer job benefits that align with their beliefs and values, like flexible work options, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, and holistic well-being, and emphasize how you value diversity and inclusion in the workplace. According to a Glassdoor survey, a good and positive working environment with flexible hours and good pay is essential for gen z candidates.

Tips for Attracting Gen Z Candidates

Recruiters have to implement certain specific strategies to appeal to Gen Z candidates. Here are some tips and strategies that recruiters can implement to attract Gen Z talents:

• Use visual content: Gen Z employees are drawn to visuals and videos, so be sure to add visuals to your job postings and website. You can also create videos that showcase your company culture and values to give potential candidates a better idea of what it would be like to work for you.

• Focus on flexibility: Gen Zers are looking for jobs that offer flexibility and freedom. They look for opportunities that offer flexible hours, remote work, and other perks that demonstrate that you can accommodate their needs.

• Highlight your values: Generation Z is passionate about social and environmental causes, so ensure that you highlight any values or initiatives your company supports. Showing you’re committed to making the world a better place is sure to attract the attention of these candidates.

• Connect with schools and universities: Connecting with local schools and universities is a great way to get the word out about your job openings. You can also contact student organizations and clubs to let them know you’re hiring.

• Offer mentorship programs: Gen Zers are looking for mentors to help them grow and advance in their careers. Offer mentorship programs or other career development initiatives to make your company stand out from the competition.

• Leverage referrals: Gen Zers trust the opinions of their peers, so leverage referrals to attract candidates. Offer incentives for referrals to encourage current employees to recommend your company to their friends and acquaintances.

Conclusion

Recruiting Gen Z candidates requires intentional efforts toward diversity and inclusion. Companies must create an inclusive culture, tailor recruitment strategies, and create opportunities for diverse candidates to succeed.

Create an attractive remote work culture that appeals to these candidates and assists them in creating a work-life balance, such as flexible hours, work-from-home options, and virtual team activities. Focus on the development opportunities and career growth potential of remote roles.

FAQs

1. What is Gen Z looking for in an employer?

Gen Z candidates are looking for employers that offer career advancement, adequate pay, sustainable incentives, and cater to their holistic well-being. According to a Glassdoor survey, a good work environment with flexible hours and good pay is essential for gen z candidates.

2. Which careers are Gen Z most interested in?

According to Glassdoor’s report, here are some careers Gen z candidates are most interested in: 

• Corporate Recruiter 
• Marketing Manager
• Social Media Manager
• Data Scientist
• Product Manager
• Software Engineer
• Account Coordinator 
• Credit Analyst
• Project Engineer
• Business Development Associate

3. What is one recruiting strategy you can use in your business to attract Gen Z employees?

A strong social media recruitment strategy is essential for attracting a large number of Gen Z workers. Take advantage of platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to share job openings, benefits, and other relevant information with this target demographic. Some of the top companies that are using social media sites for recruitment are:

• McDonald’s was among the first companies to use the Snapchat platform for recruitment.
• Salesforce uses the Instagram platform to encourage professionals to join the company.
• Zappos initially used the Twitter platform for recruiting new candidates but has shifted to Instagram for recruitment since it is trending nowadays.
• L’Oréal has a Facebook page to upload job postings and highlight the company culture.