They are too independent. They’d rather consult Google than their own parents. Their ‘know it all’ attitude can easily offend older generations. There is nothing that they’d prefer not to handle on their own. This digitally-fluent lot that is highly social-media savvy seems to have it all together. Who are we talking about? Gen Z of course. But interestingly, a whopping 77 per cent of this generation (based in the US) has sought parental support when it comes to job interviews. They have involved their parents in the hiring process; hard to believe, right?
A survey by Resume Templates reportedly discovered that many members of Gen Z in the US have had parents attending interviews with them. The extent of involvement is such that 40 per cent have reportedly sat in with their wards during the actual interview/discussions with one-third even actively asking or answering questions. About 27 per cent members of this cohort said that their parents have even negotiated the salary/benefits with some even introducing themselves to the hiring managers directly.
Fortune Magazine reported that parents of Gen Z job seekers actually actively participate with their wards in each stage of the hiring process. At least 75 per cent of Gen Z job seekers have used one of their parents as a reference, while 63 per cent got one of their parents to apply on their behalf. At least 50 per cent of Gen Z let their parents send e-mails or even call hiring managers on their behalf.
That is not all; 48 per cent parents of Gen Zers completed assignments or tests on behalf of their wards, while 41 per cent interacted with HR on their behalf, reports Fortune!
Why is this so? Probably because this generation is inexperienced and is yet to learn how to network? The pandemic only slowed down their social development even further. With the job market being tough, youngsters today are struggling to land their first job. They are realising that only their parents can be trusted to help them hunt for a suitable job. No wonder 53 per cent of them have asked their parents to review their resume, with 43 per cent asking them to proofread the same for them. Asking for some help is OK one would think, but then 35 per cent of Gen Zers have got their parents to write the resumes for them, while 30 per cent go them to write the cover letters. The majority (90 per cent) are already relying too much on their parents to help them find a job and apply. Isn’t that overdependence? A significant 36 per cent had their parents attend career fairs and 46 per cent have had them networking for them.
The survey covered 831 Gen Zers in the US with full-time jobs to understand the level of involvement of their parents in their most recent job search and their present role. An alarming 57 per cent bring their parents to work.