ResumeTemplates.com recently surveyed 1,428 Americans aged 18 to 27. They focused on young people who have been on the job hunt this past year, and their findings were pretty eye-opening. Let’s take a look at the results.
Job Apps by Mom and Dad
In the survey, the researchers found that 16% of these young job seekers have taken a back seat and let their parents decide for them with their job applications. Most of them think their parents do a better job, while some just feel clueless about talking to employers. Either way, they think their parents know more.
Job Hunting
A solid 60% ask their parents to find potential jobs, which involves parents using online sites and in-person networking. It seems that sometimes, it’s who you know that’s important. Doing this expands a young job seeker’s network and opportunities by allowing them to tap into the “hidden job market” that they can only access through personal contacts.
Parents in the Interview Room
The survey also found that 1 in 4 Gen Zers bring their parents along to job interviews. For some, this involves their parents whispering last-minute tips during a Zoom call, while for others, they’re joining their kids for in-person interviews. What’s clear is that parents are stepping into roles that were unheard of a generation ago.
Resumes Written by Parents
10% of these young folks admit their resumes are written by none other than their parents, which is mostly due to the applicant feeling stressed and trusting their parents’ skills. When the stakes are high and the pressure is on, having a parent write your resume can really take the weight off your shoulders. This makes Gen Zers feel slightly more confident in the job market.
Cover Letters Courtesy of Parents
Similarly, nearly 10% of Gen Zers have their cover letters written by their parents. Weirdly, many applicants still felt confident in the paperwork they submitted, even though that confidence came from someone else’s work. This can give young job seekers an edge in creating messages potential employers want to hear.
Parental Success Formula
83% of those who got a job think it’s due to their parents’ intervention. This statistic highlights parents’ significant role in the job search process. For many of them, they’re the key ingredient that helps them land a great job, or at least the young people think so.
Leaning on Mom and Dad for Clarity
Why are so many turning to their parents? It’s mostly because many Gen Zers feel they lack the know-how to navigate it alone. Parents help make sense of company roles and ensure the gigs are legit. With their years of experience, parents can offer advice that many young job seekers think is priceless as they try to figure out the complexities of their professional lives.
Mom to the Rescue
Out of those looking for help, 76% said they turned to their mom, while just 45% got help from their dad. When it comes to job hunting, moms are the word, which may be because mothers often take on a nurturing role naturally. They can give their children emotional support and practical assistance during the job search.
Parents Handling HR Calls
9% of participants also said their parents made those initial HR calls. Most young job seekers think their parents can present them better, while some are too nervous to handle HR themselves. This helps some of them get past the first hurdle in the hiring process so they can actually get their foot in the door.
Finding Jobs With a Little Help
Among those who found jobs, 69% had a little help from their parents, including emotional support. They also gave their kids practical help, which appears to have improved their job prospects by quite a bit. In other studies, Gen Z also said they relied on their parents for money.
How Often Do They Ask for Help?
Of course, Gen Z doesn’t always ask for help, as the study found that only 9% do. 23% ask for help “very often,” 44% ask sometimes, and 24% rarely, showing that they all feel different about asking for a helping hand. Although some of them are quite independent, a large portion still values and rely on their parents’ involvement throughout their job search.
Parents as Email Diplomats
About 36% of Gen Z job seekers get their mom or dad to help draft emails to hiring managers. Actually, this isn’t a bad idea, as having someone experienced to look at your email can ensure that the email’s tone and content are just right. This way, they can create a professional tone right from the outset.
Why Parents Take Over
When asked why they rely on their parents, many Gen Z-ers believe their parents’ work will be better quality than their own. For others, it’s because they simply lack the motivation or know-how themselves. It seems they still need a bit of a push with the basics of job hunting and need some help to make it less stressful.
Dealing With the Job Market
Young job seekers often think the job market is confusing, and many of them just want a stable job. They appreciate the experience their parents can give them, especially when trying to understand complicated job descriptions and company policies. This guidance helps them understand what’s expected and how to prepare effectively. Without it, they’d likely fail.
Beyond the Application
Parents also help prepare for interviews and learn how to handle tough job market challenges. Essentially, they’re like personal career coaches. This preparation goes beyond just filling out forms and includes building confidence. Gen Z also learns from their parents how to understand the complexities of interviews and job negotiations.
Referrals in Job Searches
Other data shows that Gen Z job seekers prefer job referrals over other methods. In fact, over 60% of them trust referrals from an employer’s current or former employees the most. To them, personal connections and network endorsements play an important role in their job, mostly because they value the insights from within the company.
Influence of Social Media
Social media platforms are also important for Gen Z because they allow them to network and show off their professional profiles. They can also give them a direct line to potential employers. Many people in this generation expect companies to engage with them on these platforms, which can affect their decision on where to apply.
The Rise of College Recruiters
College recruiters help Gen Z start their job searches early, and this generation expects a personalized and collaborative approach. They see these recruiters as trusted advisors who can help them through the job application process. Most of all, this generation cares about recruiters who communicate in a detailed and timely way.
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