Recruitment
From the source
CATIE OWEN ASKS THREE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS DIRECTLY : WHY IS THE INDUSTRY STRUGGLING TO HIRE GEN Z ?
T he workforce ’ s latest recruits seem to be an enigma to many . Usually considered to have been born between 1997 – 2012 , the oldest members of Generation Z ( Gen Z ) are beginning to populate industries worldwide . But if that ’ s the case , why is the events industry failing to attract them ?
Shoshanna Davis is the founder of UK-based Fairy Job Mother , a career advice platform for young professionals and businesses looking to recruit them . Her platform was born soon after graduating from university , in response to the limited , ‘ one-size-fits-all ’ career advice on offer during her academic career .
To Davis , this lack of advice is a hurdle for potential workers : “ You ’ re still very young when you ’ re 18 and trying to get to grips with the working world . If you think about the career advice you had at school 10 , 20 years ago or more , the advice now hasn ’ t changed that much .” While this is an issue within the academic system , there are still ways for businesses to help young people navigate the world of work . For Taylor Smith , content developer , destinations and features , at US magazine Meetings Today , communication is key to this goal . As the author behind ‘ The Z : Planning for the Industry ’ s Next Generation ’, Smith noted that the industry often lacks a community of fellow Gen Z-ers passing on advice . Therefore , job postings will often be one of a young professional ’ s first impressions of the working world .
“ Some companies say they ’ re looking for a graduate with ‘ two years ’ or so ’ s experience , but not what that should look like . Clarify what you mean by ‘ experience ’ – such as extracurriculars , industry experience , and internships .”
For Mercy Cherono , a master ’ s student studying International Tourism Destination Management at Edinburgh Napier University , and 2019 ’ s Africa MICE Future Leader of the Year , young professionals need examples of realistic expectations in the job market – at the point of entry : “ There ’ s a meme about companies expecting new hires to be 20 years old with 36 years of experience - there is so much truth in that bit of humour . Unrealistic expectations can limit and discourage candidates from applying to or accepting jobs in our industry .”
Above : Shoshanna Davis , founder , Fairy Job Mother ; Taylor Smith , content developer , destinations and features , Meetings Today ; Mercy Cherono , a MSc student of International Tourism Destination Management , Edinburgh Napier University
“ Gen Zs are selective on where to invest energy and effort , and tend to focus on where there is more reward and value ”
What are they looking for ? Transparency Davis reassures employers that the solutions to attracting Gen Z ultimately aren ’ t difficult to implement : “ Often , employers are just overthinking it . Gen Z aren ’ t these aliens from outer space , they want the same things as the generations before them .” These factors include salary and job security as the cost-of-living crisis is hitting Gen Z workers hard . Many are struggling to gain financial independence and leave the nest – this makes a good job posting crucial for businesses .
“ Gen Z are aware of what it takes to support themselves , and a fair wage can be hard to find ,” says Smith . “ If a salary isn ’ t posted , and if it isn ’ t fair , we won ’ t apply . It ’ s not that we ’ re greedy ; when you ’ re barely living paycheck-to -paycheck it ’ s tough .” When considering a job opportunity , an applicant is always calculating their salary expectations and living expenses , Cherono adds . “( A Gen Z ) is figuring out whether the job can sustain them in the current economy . If they can ’ t see the salary listed , they won ’ t know , and they won ’ t apply .” A promise of job security and stability is an added draw for Gen Z due to a need for reliable income , Cherono notes : “ The pandemic revealed how high-risk and fragile the events industry is , so Gen Z may opt for a more stable career path .”
Upskilling Gen Z is a workforce looking to grow and progress in their industries and aren ’ t necessarily paying attention to ‘ fun ’ benefits . Davis says : “ A lot of employers think Gen Z want fancy offices with pizza and pool tables , but they want somewhere they can learn and grow .” Smith concurs , saying that from her experience : “ If I wasn ’ t able to do what I know I ’ m capable of , to learn , and grow as a professional , I would feel very stagnant in my career .” Smith adds , “ Gen Z wants to further their
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