You did it! You’ve tossed your cap into the air alongside hundreds of fellow graduates, and you’re ready to conquer the world. But here’s the harsh truth: many employers aren’t exactly thrilled with recent Gen Z hires. In fact, a survey found that 75% of companies were dissatisfied with the college grads they recently hired. So, if you’re wondering how to dodge that early career bullet, here’s what you need to know to get ahead—and stay ahead.
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The Stats on Gen Z Hires
First, let’s uncover what the big bosses are whispering about you—and yes, it might sting a little. However, the earlier you address these gaps, the better your chances of not just landing a job, but keeping it. Here’s the stats, according to a study conducted in September 2024 by Intelligent:
- 75% of companies report that some or all of the recent college graduates they hired this year were unsatisfactory
- 6 in 10 companies fired a recent college graduate they hired this year
- 1 in 6 hiring managers say they are hesitant to hire from this cohort
- Hiring managers say recent college grads are unprepared for the workforce, can’t handle the workload, and are unprofessional
- 1 in 7 companies may refrain from hiring recent college graduates next year
- 9 in 10 hiring managers say recent college graduates should undergo etiquette training
Correction Creates Growth
The first rule—echoing the second agreement from the classic self-help book “The Four Agreements”—is to never take anything personally. A Gen Z employee may believe that meticulously documenting and archiving emails offers self-protection. However, if this becomes the sole focus, it can create a defensive mindset while distracting from the benefits of valuable constructive criticism. It’s crucial to understand that criticism of one’s work doesn’t automatically equate to it being incorrect. Following direction is key.
Learning to navigate this early on will save you all the trouble down the line. That said, here are more tips and tricks you can utilize to bring success to your work environment and the future of your career.
Keep Your Attire Professional
In most offices, sandals, bonnets, strappy shoes, shorts, short skirts, or any items showing too much skin is never okay for your first interview. Any casual Friday options will be brought to your attention by your employer, and it’s best you wait for the OK.
Arrive on Time
Classic but key—time is respect. Showing up late on google meet or in the office tells people your schedule matters more than theirs. Be early, be ready, and set the tone before the clock does it for you.
Work is Not Play; It’s Suppose to Be Hard
Unfortunately, you aren’t being paid for the vibes (darn, I know). Don’t shy away from the workload, as every assignment is an opportunity to show your capabilities. Handle tasks with grace, meet deadlines, and your grind will speak for itself.
Be Vocal During Meetings
Be prepared in the meetings and speak with confidence. When someone ask your opinion, understand they respect what you have to say and want to hear your point of view. You could say, “I was thinking about this just the other day,” or “My chat group said…” and provide a little context. Don’t be afraid to participate. This goes for creative roles, especially.
TikTok Job Experts Give Terrible Advice
Nothing beats true guidance from someone who’s been there before. They don’t need to be directly in your field, but their experience and career moves can teach you lessons that TikTok won’t tell you. They’ll be there to help during the hard times, and be there to celebrate the wins.
Don’t Keep Making The Same Mistakes; Bosses Hate It
One editor said: “A valuable lesson I learned early in my career, at the age of 25 while working at a large publication, was about meeting a boss’s expectation and never have to be told twice. As someone once said of me, ‘She’s green, but you never have to tell her the same thing twice.’” This highlights the importance of either diligently writing everything down or acting on instructions immediately. When a boss has to repeat themselves, it can be perceived as disrespect or an indication that you are not suited for your responsibilities.
Keep Learning Outside of Work
Your job teaches you a lot, but your growth doesn’t stop there. Read, take courses, or pick up new skills—level up on your own time and watch your value skyrocket. Employers of every field will appreciate your efforts.
Keep Social Media and Work Separate
How many times have people been fired for dancing at work? Telling fans about colleagues, or exposing information? Keep in mind, you never know what’s going to strike the algorithm and go viral. This doesn’t have to be you! Be mindful of social media at work, as such silly mistakes can be avoided.
Turn Your Camera On
Face-to-face still matters, even on Zoom. Showing up visually helps you stay engaged, build connections, and prove you’re present. This is especially important during interviews—expect to be on camera.
Never Burn Your Bridges, Stay Connected
The world is smaller than you think, especially when it comes to your particular field. You’re bound to see your superiors again later down the road, or meet someone you never expected to shake hands with. Stay professional, keep in touch, and leave on a positive note, always.
Build Your Portfolio Along the Way
Start collecting your wins now. Projects, side hustles, and accomplishments show your skills better than just a resume. Plus, all of your work will be showcase ready wherever you go, even when you least expect it.
Network As Often As You Can
Connections open doors that skills alone—and your resume—can’t. Mingle with a positive attitude at work events and workshops, and never sip on more than you can handle should alcohol be present.
Unlearn Instant Gratification
It’s common to start in a position that’s less than ideal, whether that’s a supporting or assistant role, but this is your bootstrap phase. While you may not get the exact role you want, it’s imperative that you understand that there’s a lot to learn before you get there. Take pride in the process of growth at every stage.
Learn to Budget
That first paycheck feels huge—until rent, bills, and student loans hit. Track your money, spend wisely, and start building financial freedom early. And as layoffs continue—which are totally out of your control—you’ll never regret planning ahead.
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