Why Gen Z Should Ditch Mom and Dad at Job Interviews: Here’s Why!

Let’s set the record straight: Gen Z isn’t “lazy” or “difficult”; they’re just navigating an entirely new world of challenges that their predecessors couldn’t even imagine. With a global pandemic, economic rollercoasters, and lightning-fast tech advancements, this generation has been thrust into adulthood during turbulent times.

It’s not a lack of ambition that has many in this age group worried—it’s the reality they face. A recent study reveals that nearly 37% of Gen Z workers are anxious about job security.

So, what’s the story? Many Gen Zers and their Millennial counterparts invested in four-year degrees, only to face a harsh job market. The average Gen Z graduate is burdened with about $16,000 in student loans. This debt can severely limit their career options and delay common milestones like buying a home.

The rise of artificial intelligence hasn’t made life any easier. While Gen Z is digital-savvy, automation is eliminating entry-level positions, causing companies to reconsider hiring full-time employees. Talk about a double whammy!

No wonder many Gen Zers feel they need a little extra help in their job searches! Compared to older generations, they’re facing hurdles that require support. However, the trend of “helicopter parenting” has taken this assistance to a whole new level.

Parental Involvement: How Deep Does It Go?

A groundbreaking 2024 survey by Resume Templates uncovered a shocking statistic: 70% of Gen Z job seekers lean on their parents for help in their job search—from polishing résumés and cover letters to job applications. Even more astonishing, some Gen Zers bring their parents into job interviews, whether in-person or virtual, with parents directly addressing hiring managers!

The Job Hunt Journey

When it comes to job sourcing, 60% of Gen Zers admit they turn to their parents for help, tapping into online resources, personal connections, and networking events.

Crafting Résumés and Cover Letters

And it doesn’t stop there! Over the past year, 55% of Gen Z respondents sought out parental help for editing their résumés, while nearly a quarter had their parents write the entire document. Furthermore, 49% requested guidance with their cover letters.

Navigating Applications

Once their résumés were ready, 24% of Gen Zers had their parents submit job applications for them. And if they made it past the initial HR screening, 13% admitted their parents completed the screening calls, citing issues like anxiety and lack of motivation.

Ace Those Interviews

It gets even more interesting: 26% of Gen Zers reported bringing at least one parent to their job interviews! Among those, 31% had a parent attend an in-person meeting, while 29% welcomed their parent into a virtual setting. For in-person interviews, 37% shared that their parent accompanied them to the office, with 26% letting their parent sit in the room and even respond to questions!

In virtual interviews, 29% had their parents visible on camera, with many parents taking the opportunity to speak directly with hiring managers and assist their kids in real-time.

Throughout the interview process, 36% of Gen Z participants asked their parents to help draft emails to hiring managers, from editing to composing messages themselves.

Are Parents Unintentionally Holding Gen Z Back?

Despite 83% of Gen Z job seekers attributing their job search successes to their parents, this level of involvement has raised eyebrows among hiring managers. Many worry about whether these candidates possess the autonomy and professional readiness they need.

Employers might see this reliance on parental support as a red flag, questioning a candidate’s independence and maturity. The idea that a young job seeker needs their parents to “fight their battles” could hinder their chances of landing a job or climbing the corporate ladder.

Moreover, this dependence may signal to employers a lack of essential soft skills and self-sufficiency required in the modern workforce. Without engaging directly in the application and interview processes, Gen Zers miss out on vital opportunities for growth and learning that are crucial for their careers.

Empowering Gen Z Job Seekers

So how can Gen Z find the right balance between seeking help and fostering independence? While parental advice can be beneficial, especially in résumé writing and interview prep, it’s crucial for candidates to take charge of their own job search.

Instead of leaning heavily on their parents, Gen Zers can build a diverse support network that includes college alumni, mentors, recruiters, and career coaches. This approach not only provides valuable insights but also helps them develop essential career management skills.

Gaining real-world experience is equally important. Internships, volunteer roles, and freelance projects can equip them with practical skills and strengthen their résumés, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Additionally, tapping into job networking platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake—considered the go-to resources by 78% of their peers—can streamline the application process and connect them with prospective employers.

Finally, Gen Z job seekers should make the most of on-campus career fairs. Face-to-face interactions still hold great value in the recruitment landscape!