Six in 10 employers say they’ve already fired some of the Gen Z grads they hired fresh out of college earlier this year, according to a recent Intelligent.com survey.
Intelligent.com, a platform focused on young professionals and the future of work, surveyed nearly 1,000 U.S. leaders and found Gen Z’s shortcomings could shape how companies hire future graduates. One in six bosses said they’re hesitant to hire college grads again. One in seven said they may avoid hiring them altogether next year. Three-quarters of companies surveyed said some or all of their recent graduate hires were unsatisfactory in some way.
Employers’ top complaint was a lack of motivation or initiative, cited by 50% of leaders surveyed. Bosses also pointed to Gen Z being unprofessional, unorganized and having poor communication skills as top reasons for firing new hires. Leaders said they’ve struggled with practical issues as well, including being late to work and meetings often, not wearing office-appropriate clothing and using language appropriate for the workspace.
More than half of hiring managers said college grads are unprepared for the world of work. Over 20% said they can’t handle the workload.
Some schools are trying to close the gap. Michigan State University, for example, is teaching students how to handle networking conversations, including how to spot signs the other person is getting bored and when it’s time to move on.
Asked what would make college grads more hirable, employers pointed to a positive attitude and more initiative. Intelligent.com’s chief education and career development adviser, Huy Nguyen, advised Gen Z grads to observe how coworkers interact to understand the company culture at a new job.
“Take the initiative to ask thoughtful questions, seek feedback, and apply it to show your motivation for personal growth,” Nguyen said. “Build a reputation for dependability by maintaining a positive attitude, meeting deadlines, and volunteering for projects, even those outside your immediate responsibilities.”
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