2025 Gen Z Grads are Un-Hirable and Unlikable

Another glaring reason for the shortage of qualified candidates was the COVID-19 pandemic. "Gen Z especially has become used to working in a very flexible manner, because they experienced so much of their education either totally remote or hybrid," Diane Gayeski, a professor of strategic communications at Ithaca College, told Newsweek. COVID shutdowns may answer some of the complaints about professionalism – attending class remotely in pajamas was quite the benefit.

Megan Gerhardt of The Gerhardt Group and Gentelligence couldn't agree more: "The oldest of Gen Z had just started their professional careers when the pandemic hit, so many of their initial work experiences involved workplaces being focused upon the mental health and well-being of their employees," she told Newsweek. Gerhardt didn't mention that the "I'm offended" movement may have started right then and there.

But then again, Gerhardt uses terms like "generational shaming" – be ready when that slogan hits the news.

And Then There's the AI Boogeyman

Let's assume we have the perfect candidate: well-educated, with great communication skills, who makes eye contact, and takes blankets and dinner to the homeless between tutoring underprivileged urban high schoolers. However, the all-important first impressions are then determined by AI.

Gerhardt told the outlet that Gen Z applicants often have negative experiences during interviews. "They are experiencing AI/automated first-round interviews, which seem to strike a sour note with just about every Gen Z I've spoken with." Apparently, Gen Z is prioritizing authenticity and real connections, and "being interviewed by a computer sends a very opposite message about how important that human element is to the hiring organization."

There Is Hope, Dear Gen Z

So, what can a young, sensitive, hopeful graduate do when faced with automation and artificial intelligence? Well, as it turns out, Hillary Clinton may have had the answer in her New York Times bestseller: She Persisted. Just don’t quit. Never give up on what you want to be, dear wannabe employees. Jake Gomez, head of vertical strategy for ManpowerGroup, told The College Fix that recent grads need to understand there will be struggle and disappointment: "The job market is evolving, not closing, and job seekers must adapt accordingly." Gomez continued: "Network like it's your job because until you find one, it is." Oh yes, reality does bite.