For a long time, businesses focused their attention on attracting millennials for their open positions.  Some organizations had success adding members from this demographic, while others never quite figured out the right formula to connect with these candidates.  Now, as the first wave of millennials approaches “middle age”, many hiring teams continue to target that generation.  Meanwhile, the next generation of young professionals is already waiting in line, and they’re being overlooked.

The first wave of Generation Z (those born between 1996 and 2012) is currently graduating from college and they’re ready to start their careers.  Unfortunately, they’re having difficulty landing opportunities mainly because of the continued focus on millennials.

Smart businesses may want to aim their attention toward hiring Gen Z candidates and here are the top three reasons why:

1. They’re Ready to Work

Gen Z is less focused on material possessions and money, even less so than millennials.  They are looking for good career opportunities regardless of salary requirements.  For members of Gen Z, the chance to gain experience and hone their existing skills while learning new ones is more enticing and rewarding than a hefty paycheck.  This is the perfect opportunity for businesses to guide the next generation of professionals by laying the foundation for their future.

2. They’re Not Afraid to Work Independently

While they’re not opposed to collaborating with and learning from their peers and cohorts, Gen Z candidates are confident in their ability to work independently.  The events of this past year, with its increase in online learning, verifies this statement.  After a modicum of guidance, many Gen Z hires can be trusted to effectively execute tasks, find solutions and manage their time without a significant amount of supervision.  This is very beneficial for businesses that have implemented a remote or hybrid workplace model.

3. They’re Decidedly Tech Savvy

Gen Z learned how to use electronic devices almost as soon as they learned to walk.  Unlike previous generations, Gen Z candidates have never known a world without the internet, cell phones, laptops, tablets and other essential tech.

While boomers, Gen X and early millennials grew up in an analog world and later transferred their skills and experience to the digital society (to varying degrees of success), Gen Z skill sets are almost entirely tech-based.  This connection to technology allowed many Gen Z candidates to learn skills in multiple categories like coding, web development, photography, graphic design, video editing, audio recording and engineering, and more.  They’re comfortable with technology and not afraid to use it to perform their duties or learn new skills.

The reasons for hiring Gen Z candidates exceeds the three mentioned above. This generation is ready to join organizations like yours—don’t miss the opportunity to open the door.  If you’re ready to welcome Gen Z candidates to your company, consider working with the staffing experts at Elite Personnel.  Contact us today and we will connect you with the Gen Z candidates who are a great fit for your early-career positions.