What to Focus on When Recruiting Gen Z Talent for Your Organization

It is no surprise that recruiting Gen Z is becoming increasingly important in today's multigenerational workforce. As the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, is entering the workforce with distinct values and preferences for shaping the future of work. While this offers exciting business benefits, hiring teams face many new challenges when engaging with this generation.

Continue reading to learn more about what makes this talent pool so unique, along with key strategies you can use to engage with candidates in a meaningful way that maximizes your hiring efforts and keeps them on your team.

Who is Generation Z?

An individual born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s is referred to as a member of Gen Z. Having grown up in a world of technology and social media, this generation expects instant access to information and seamless merging of technology in all their lives, even in the workplace. They are also known for being practical and wanting to change the world.

Why Recruiting Gen Z Matters

As the newest generation to enter the workforce, Gen Z brings a unique perspective that can significantly impact organizations from within. With their diverse perspectives and forward-thinking mindset, this generation has the potential to reshape industries as we know them. Their drive and ambition can boost creativity, innovation, and productivity––challenging traditional norms and helping build a more equitable and sustainable society.

Understanding and Recruiting Gen Z in the Workplace

To take advantage of Gen Z's unique characteristics, employers must gain a profound understanding of Gen Z's career preferences and motivational factors to hire them. Here are some key characteristics that help you attract and retain Gen Z talent.

Who They Are: Tech Natives Who Prefer Digital Communication

Growing up with technology as an integral part of their lives, they have acquired a high level of proficiency in digital tools and platforms, making them valuable assets in tech-driven workplaces. They quickly adopt new communication tools and are comfortable with remote collaboration. It is important to note that they prefer to communicate through digital channels such as messaging apps, email, and social media. Taking this into consideration can help you integrate technology into your hiring process.  

What You Can Do: Leverage Technology in Recruitment

Taking advantage of Gen Z's digital savvy is vital during the recruitment process. To achieve this, utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase job opportunities and company culture. Interactive recruitment methods like virtual career fairs and gamified assessments can also appeal to Gen Z's preference for engaging multimedia experiences.

Learn More: Technology and the Future of the Hiring Process
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What They Value: Personalized Experiences

Gen Z respects personalized experiences in all aspects of their lives, including interactions with brands, employers, and colleagues. They appreciate when organizations take the time to create tailored experiences that cater to individual preferences and needs rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.

In the workplace, this generation seeks personalized experiences that acknowledge their unique skills, interests, and career goals. They prefer employers who take the time to understand their motivations and aspirations and offer opportunities for growth and development tailored to their individual needs.

What You Can Do: Tailored Recruitment Strategies

With a preference for individualized communication and experiences, tailoring recruitment strategies to resonate with Gen Z is required. Use targeted messaging, incorporate multimedia content, and offer flexibility in the interview process, such as virtual interviews and flexible scheduling.

What They Value: Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Gen Z seeks flexibility in their work arrangements and wants a balance between work and personal life. They are more likely to prioritize jobs that offer flexible hours or remote work options.

What You Can Do: Update the Employee Benefits You Offer

Promote work-life balance by providing resources and programs that support their mental and physical health. For instance, consider offering flexibility, such as adjustable working hours or remote work options as part of your company policy. Support mental health by offering therapy and counseling services, and even subscriptions to services that provide guided meditations, sleep support, focus music, and more.

Remember to highlight these benefits in your job descriptions and throughout the interview process to appeal to their preferences. Otherwise, you risk losing some of your best employees to a company that offers more appealing benefits.  

Learn More: Workplace Wellness: Promoting Mental Health Initiatives in Your Organization
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What They Value: Authenticity

For this generation, authenticity is paramount. In the workplace, these candidates respect companies that are transparent and genuine in their communications and actions from their initial interactions.  

What You Can Do: Craft a Gen Z-Friendly Employer Brand

It is essential to communicate your company culture sincerely through various channels, including social media, employer review sites, and employee testimonials––even the job descriptions you use to attract talent. Try to showcase a compelling employer brand that includes areas that resonate with Gen Z, such as sustainability, social impact, and innovation.

Related: Employer Branding: Telling Your Company Story to Attract Talent
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What They Value: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Meaningful Work

Many members of Gen Z have an entrepreneurial mindset, seeking opportunities to innovate and create. They are eager to take on new challenges and are fearless in thinking outside the box. They are also motivated by work that has a purpose and positively impacts them. They are more likely to be engaged and productive in roles that align with their priorities and allow them to contribute to something meaningful.

What You Can Do: Offer Opportunities to Contribute to Meaningful Projects

To make the most of Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire for meaningful work, provide them with opportunities to innovate and contribute creatively to projects. As they begin to work on your teams, encourage them to take on new challenges and provide a platform for their ideas to be heard and implemented.

Additionally, align your company's mission and values with causes that resonate with Gen Z and demonstrate how their work directly contributes to making a positive impact. We recommend sponsoring "service days," during which employees can take paid time off to participate in service projects with local non-profits. This initiative not only allows employees to give back to their community but also fosters a sense of pride and engagement within the team, ultimately contributing to a positive company culture.
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What They Value: Desire for Growth and Development

Members of Generation Z are eager to learn and grow in their careers. They appreciate employers who offer opportunities for professional development and advancement.

What You Can Do: Emphasize Career Growth and Professional Development

Career growth and development opportunities are top priorities for Gen Z. Employers should emphasize their commitment to employee development by highlighting training programs, support for pursuing external certifications and technical development, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways for advancement. Offering meaningful work experiences and the chance to make a tangible impact also appeals to Gen Z's desire for purposeful work.

Read More: Steps to Identifying & Developing High-Potential Employees
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What They Value: Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are essential to this generation at work––and they are more eager to work in an environment that respects and includes people from different backgrounds.

What You Can Do: Create a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

Gen Z values diversity and inclusion and wants an employer who prioritizes creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace environment. Organizations should demonstrate their commitment to diversity through recruitment practices, employee policies, and company culture. Embracing diversity attracts Gen Z talent and fosters innovation and creativity within the organization.

Related: Taking DEI to the Next Level in Your Company Culture
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Recruiting Gen Z with Kinsley Sarn

If you want to diversify your teams, working with an executive search firm can help you craft compelling messages that resonate with the next generation of talent. At Kinsley Sarn, we offer a fresh perspective on engaging this dynamic generation.

As recruiters with years of experience understanding different generational preferences, our process emphasizes the authentic communication and personalized experiences they seek. We take the time to build genuine connections with candidates and create a supportive environment that aligns with their core values and career aspirations.

Ready to attract and retain the diverse talent you need? Contact us to learn about how our team can help you find the right leaders for your organization.