Why employers prefer millennials: peculiarities of Zoomers' behavior in interviews
Kyiv • UNN
Employers criticize Zoomers for lack of eye contact, high salary demands, and informal attire. Experts advise young people to be themselves, but to respect their interlocutors and show motivation.
In the labor market, young candidates, Generation Z, often face criticism for their behavior in interviews. Lack of eye contact, demands for high salaries without experience, or informal clothing are just a few of the aspects that cause concern among employers. However, experts believe that these characteristics do not always indicate unreadiness for work, but are often the result of the specifics of the generation and social conditions, writes UNN.
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As shown by an Intelligent study conducted in December 2023 among 800 American managers, directors, and executives involved in hiring, Generation Z college graduates face difficulties in many aspects of professional life. This makes them less desirable candidates in the labor market.
In particular, 53% of employers noted that young professionals avoid eye contact during interviews. Half believe that candidates demand unreasonably high salaries, and 47% have encountered applicants coming to the meeting in inappropriate clothing.
Employers also noted other violations of professional ethics:
• 27% encountered profanity from candidates,
• 21% stated that applicants refused to turn on the camera during an online interview,
• 19% saw candidates come to the interview with their parents.
Diane Gayeski, a professor of strategic communications at Ithaca College, explained that the reason for such behavior may be the consequences of the pandemic.
"Employers need to recognize that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, young people who graduated from college had more than two years of interruption in education, as well as in social and professional development," says Gayeski. "Current graduates were freshmen in the midst of COVID. They probably attended classes online and could not participate in clubs, internships, or summer jobs."
At the same time, recruiter Alisa Volynets noted in a comment to UNN that zoomers have their own unique features, but this does not mean that they are less professional.
"Yes, it happens that a candidate enters Zoom with bright makeup, with anime posters in the background or with filters. And you know what? This does not affect their skills or motivation," Volynets explained. "We had an intern who officially (!) changed her name in her passport to a double one — one of which was made up. She asked to be addressed that way — and this did not become a problem for us. This is about respecting a person's identity and about a new reality where everyone identifies themselves as they want," the recruiter added.
According to the specialist, "typical problems" that are sometimes attributed to zoomers, such as a turned off camera, lack of eye contact, informal clothing, may be due to technical conditions or excitement.
"I have not personally encountered obscene language or the appearance of parents on a call. But even if such cases occur, these are exceptions, not a trend. Although, in my opinion, appearing at an interview with parents is very strange behavior if the candidate is already 18 years old," added Volynets.
Alisa Volynets advises young professionals:
1) Just be yourself. Here it is important to show that you know how to work in a team, take responsibility and that you are really interested in this position;
2) You can have your own style and views, that's cool. But it is also important to listen, ask questions, not interrupt — this is elementary respect;
3) And, even if there is no experience, you can always show motivation and a desire to learn. It is very noticeable.
Another expert with whom UNN spoke, Victoria Onufrieva, head of recruiting, also pointed out the differences in the behavior of zoomers in interviews. She noted that young candidates often demand a higher salary, comparing themselves with experienced professionals.
"That is, I can meet people aged 20-25 in interviews who, in their expectations, are equal to a specialist with 10 or more years of experience," Onufrieva noted.
Regarding the specifics of the interview, the expert shared that often, if it is an online interview, the candidate can join from places that do not meet the formal requirements, for example, in a shopping center or cafe.
"I had the experience of conducting an offline interview and while the candidate, a young man, for the position of graphic designer, was waiting for the manager, he was not sitting on the couch, he lay down, throwing his legs on the armrest and watching Tik Tok," the specialist shared.
In particular, according to Onufrieva, both parties definitely need to adapt to each other.
"Employers need to understand that such behavior is not a sign that the candidate is bad or disorganized, or will not follow the rules. No. In the example of this guy, a graphic designer, he perfectly performs his tasks, set on time, fits into deadlines and communicates quite correctly in the team," the head of recruiting explained.
In addition, she noted that both parties need to adapt to each other.
"The younger generation must understand that their leaders will mostly be millennials, and possibly an older generation, baby boomers. And they have completely different views. And they will never change 100%. Just as zoomers will not change themselves, break themselves, to adapt to leaders," the expert added.
Finally, the head of recruiting noted that many employers are now willing to take young people without experience. However, it is important to explain to the employer why you want to try yourself in this field and what skills can help you succeed.
"Because, despite the staffing crisis, first of all, Ukrainian business is looking for responsible people for any position," the expert says. "Show how your response was manifested in life before this and I am sure that this will lead to success and you will be able to get the job you want. It doesn't matter how old you are, if you are irresponsible about your work, you will not find it at any age," Onufrieva summed up.
