The Anatomy of a Gen Z Candidate

Gen Z is starting to enter the workforce  and while it's believed that they will transform the future workforce, there is still a lot that researchers, marketers and companies have to learn about them. 

What do we know about Gen Z so far?

Born between 1996 and 2012, they are the first generation to spend their entire adolescence with a smartphone, hence their nicknames such as Digital Natives, Gen Wii and the iGeneration.  The infographic below based on research conducted by by The Center For Generational Kinetics, paints a picture of the Gen Z candidate and shows you what you can expect from your future graduate hires.

 

 

19 traits of Gen Z candidates:

• They earn their own spending money from young age.

• They actually work all the way through college. 

• iGen is more focused on work than millennials were at the same age.

• GenZ candidates want to work in fun environment.

• A flexible working schedule is their priority.

• 12% of Gen Z are already saving for their retirement; 35% will start saving in their 20s.

• Many Gen Z have learned about finance from their parents and want to avoid debt at all cost.

• They love YouTube, Instagram & Netflix.

• They are fond of money and payment apps.

• Gen Z boys want to spend money on products while Gen Z girls on experiences.

• They make purchasing decisions based on input from family and friends.

• But they still check online ratings and reviews and can be influenced by their findings.

• They have a practical mindset grounded in reality and can be seen as less optimistic than millennials.

• They consider “communication” to be the most important soft skill.

• Gen Z spend more time on their smartphones than on laptops or PCs.

• Health conscious - wellbeing is of a high importance

• They're sugar conscious and love "adventurous" food

• More likely to place high value on time with their family than their friends