Gen Z job candidates criticised for relying heavily on parental help
Gen Z job seekers criticised for parental involvement in applications
A career coach has criticised parents for forgetting the challenges of climbing the career ladder, as new statistics reveal Generation Z often seeks parental help when job hunting.
Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, have markedly different workplace practices from previous generations. Studies show they avoid management roles, engage in trends like ‘quiet vacationing’, and look for ‘lazy girl jobs’.
Surprisingly, recent research shows Gen Z frequently enlists parental help to secure jobs. A survey by ResumeTemplates.com revealed that 83 percent of successful job candidates credit their caregivers for their success. The study, involving 1,428 US-based Gen Zers, found that one-third admitted bringing their parents to job interviews, and 30 percent said their parents had introduced themselves to hiring managers during the interviews.
Tammie Christofis Ballis, a recruiter and career coach at Realistic Careers, has expressed concern over these findings. The 37-year-old noted it is worrying that parents are so involved in their children’s job applications.
“I don’t know if these parents forget what it’s like to apply for a job when you’re that age,” she told The New York Post. “They seem to have forgotten how they did it and think they are helping by applying for jobs on behalf of their kids.”
Ballis, who ran her own café in 2011, stated that the situation is worsening, with parents not only applying for jobs but also attending interviews on behalf of their children. When their child is rejected, they fail to understand why.
“I’ve had two graduate nursing recruiters tell me that parents have shown up to graduate nursing interviews for 20 to 21-year-olds. It’s baffling because you wouldn’t take your mum to work, so why take them to an interview?” Ballis remarked.
The career coach explained that feeling nervous before an interview is natural. However, she believes Gen Z takes it too far by bringing their parents for emotional support.
“You’re not going to feel fully confident and happy going into an interview. You’re meeting someone new, being judged, and feeling vulnerable. Naturally, you’ll feel nervous and uncomfortable, but that’s part of life.”
Ballis added that not feeling ‘uncomfortable’ in a job situation likely means you won’t progress.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NYSSCPA article highlights that 26% of Gen Z respondents involved their parents in job interviews, with parents sometimes answering questions, raising concerns about independence and confidence.(read more)
- Forbes explores how 70% of Gen Z job seekers ask parents for job assistance, highlighting parental involvement in the hiring process and its impact in a challenging job market.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are parents getting involved in Gen Z’s job applications?
Parents seem to believe they are helping their children by applying for jobs and attending interviews on their behalf.
How many Gen Zers bring their parents to job interviews?
One-third of surveyed Gen Zers admitted to bringing their parents to job interviews.
What percentage of Gen Z job candidates credit their success to their parents?
83 percent of successful Gen Z job candidates credit their caregivers for their success.
What are some workplace trends among Gen Z?
Gen Z tends to avoid management roles, engage in ‘quiet vacationing,’ and look for ‘lazy girl jobs.’
What does Tammie Christofis Ballis think about parents attending job interviews?
She finds it baffling and believes it prevents young adults from learning to handle job interviews independently.
