Gen Z candidates abandon the recruitment process before job offer.

Eighteen per cent of Generation Z candidates are abandoning the recruitment process even after being offered the job, new research reveals.

Gen Z are now leaving full-time education to break into the employment world, the report by talent and recruitment specialists, Oleeo and MyKindaFuture says.

And the report worryingly suggests that the reason Gen Z are retracting from the recruitment process or declining job opportunities is because recruiters and employers aren’t sure how to engage with them from the start.

While there are raising concerns about attracting qualified young talent, the report found that employers face potential problems from young jobseekers who aren’t offered jobs at all.

The study found that just three per cent of those who apply for a position will receive an offer, which may suggest that poor recruitment processes are hindering the uptake of good candidates from this demographic.

And, separate research conducted by Dell Technologies found that nearly three-quarters of Gen Z feel that the inclusion of technology and automation is important for carving out a more equitable working environment.

The employment study – which surveyed individuals between the ages of 16 and 23-years-old – found that 80% of Gen Z want to work with cutting edge technology, while 91% went as far to say that the type of technology offered at a company would determine whether they would take the job or not. This suggests that technology is a real deal-breaker for this wave of candidates.

Yvonne Stewart, UK HR Business Partner for Dell, says

“Our study shows that Gen Z want to work with new forms of cutting-edge technology, they understand the benefits of human-machine partnerships and they believe that technology will bring equality to the workforce," she said. "They are choosing to work in organisations that are socially and environmentally responsible and capable of supporting them in their drive to learn new skills and better society.” 

Gen Z are impacting on business today. They have entered the workforce and are not finding it an easy ride. I can’t help feel that companies are coming late to the party and really don’t think there is a problem. "Build it and they will come" still seems to be the mantra.

The reality is that the "Kevin Costner" approach no longer works for Gen Z and they fact that organisations are not taking the time to understand, means that both they and their future employees are missing a golden opportunity.

As ZED's Co-Founder Chloe Combi often says, "If you don’t know what they think, how can you give them what they want!" which I feel is 100% accurate when it comes to Gen Z in the workplace.

ZED have been running workshops across Europe, getting c-level professionals up to speed with the wants and the needs of the Z Generation in the workplace. The feedback has been amazing, and we can feel in some organisations, we are moving the dial.

Perhaps we could come talk you your senior team and give them a Gen Z Bootcamp which we believe leaves organisations better prepared not just for today but for the employees of the future.

The consequences of ignoring Gen Z are plain to see; an entire generation of workers, that don’t want to work in a corporate world that seems antiquated and out of step with their needs, motivations, beliefs and aspirations. If we dont know where to start engaging with Gen Z, we should ask them!

Working for themselves, starting jobs and companies that have never previously existed (or needed to exist), creating new digital spaces, colloborating with like minded young people to create environments that better reflect them and their generation and making money from them.

Truth is, the speed of change is so rapid in terms of youth employment and engagement that we cant be entirely sure at this point, how things will pan out.

All we do know is that Gen Z are ripping up the rule book and picking up the comic book and will not settle for second best when it comes to life, career and happiness.

Will they see your brand as the Super Hero they have been dreaming of?