Startups want to hire gen Z. Here’s why

Gen Z and startups are a match made in heaven, and it shows in the data.

Of LinkedIn’s top startups — celebrating the 25 companies on the rise in Australia, 30% of all new hires were under 30 years of age. This compares with 28% aged 30 or under for all new hires across Australia.

It’s a similar story in New Zealand, where 34% of all new hires at Top Startups companies were under 30 years of age — seven percentage points higher than the proportion of hires aged 30 and younger across New Zealand.

What advice do startups have for gen-Zers eager to join a young company on the rise? Driva chief of staff Samuel Ward says there’s no need to wait to get more experience under your belt.

“Go for it — and the sooner the better! The startup world is exciting, fast paced and extremely rewarding. Unlike traditional big businesses, when you join a startup you can have a real tangible impact on how the company develops and get in on the ground floor to become a senior person in a future industry leader.”

However, it’s also a sector known for upheaval. Ward says, “Startups are inherently risky, and that risk is typically more palatable when you’re younger and have less responsibilities.”

Scroll through for advice from startup founders for gen Z and check out the full lists for Australia and New Zealand .

Caleb & Brown CEO Jackson Zeng

"Be unreasonably patient and persistent. Most overnight successes actually happened over a decade."

Tend Health Ltd People Partner William Wang :

“Join a company that is trying to solve a problem that you identify with."

"You’ll learn a lot and be exposed to a variety of different roles that you likely won’t get in a corporate setting. This learning process might be challenging for some, however, if you’re working on solving a problem that you’re passionate about, the work is a lot more interesting, worthwhile and satisfying."

:Different Head of People and Culture Lauren Kelly (née Caldwell) :

?"Be bold, be brave and get your foot in the door."

"In a startup, you will have the rare opportunity to wear many hats day-to-day, own new and exciting projects and have exposure to senior management that would not be possible in a large corporation. These experiences don’t come easy. You will need grit to ride the rollercoaster."

Dovetail Co-founder and CEO Benjamin Humphrey :

“Startups are famously fast-paced and highly collaborative, which makes them a great place to learn. Expect to jump in, work with ambiguous problems, and deliver solutions that work.

"Embrace the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects to grow your skillset and speak up if you have an idea. Taking initiative and following through on executing ideas is celebrated in startups.”

WithYouWithMe Chief Technology Officer Scarlett McDermott

“Start a digital apprenticeship and upskill with high-demand tech skills."

"The digital skills shortage is real and the competition for talent in the market is fierce. If you have these in-demand skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, you'll find the startup world is ripe with opportunity.”

Where did you get a job when you were new to the working world? Do you have more advice for gen Z? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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