Gen Z is bringing fresh perspectives to the workforce, but not every trait is winning over their potential employers. Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, but some behaviors and attitudes among younger workers can raise red flags for hiring managers.
Here are some of the things about Gen Z that can make hiring managers hesitant.
Poor Email and Written Communication Skills
Professional emails are a major part of the workplace, yet many Gen Z applicants struggle with writing them properly. Some send overly casual messages filled with slang, emojis, or typos, which make them seem unprofessional. Others struggle with basic email etiquette, like failing to include a subject line or addressing the recipient properly.
Expecting High Salaries With Little Experience
It’s great to aim high, but hiring managers are put off by candidates who expect big salaries right out of college. Some enter interviews with unrealistic pay expectations that don’t match their skill levels or experience. Employers want to see ambition, but they also want candidates who understand that salary growth happens over time.
When young workers act entitled to six-figure salaries without proving their value first, it’s a major turnoff.
Lack of Phone Etiquette
Phone conversations might feel outdated to Gen Z, but it’s still important in most workplaces. Some young job people avoid answering calls, struggle with phone interviews or seem uncomfortable holding a professional conversation. Employers notice when candidates prefer to text or email instead of speaking directly.
Job-Hopping Too Often
Loyalty to one company isn’t as common among younger workers, and while changing jobs occasionally is normal, excessive job-hopping raises concerns. Hiring managers see resumes filled with short-term positions and wonder if a candidate will stick around long enough to be worth hiring.
Over-Reliance on Technology for Basic Tasks
Gen Z grew up with technology, and struggle with tasks that don’t involve screens. Simple skills like writing by hand, using a physical calculator, or even having a face-to-face discussion without checking a phone seem foreign to some younger applicants.
While technology is an asset, an inability to function on everyday tasks doesn’t enhance their job prospects.
Lack of Professionalism on Social Media
Employers often check candidates’ social media profiles, and what they find can make or break a hiring decision. Some Gen Z job seekers don’t realize that posting inappropriate content, like excessive partying, controversial opinions, or unfiltered rants, can reflect poorly on their professionalism. Hiring managers want employees who will represent their company well.
Difficulty Handling Constructive Criticism
Feedback is a normal part of any job, but some employers find that young candidates struggle to accept it. Instead of seeing constructive criticism as a chance to improve, they often take it personally or react defensively.
Bosses want staff who are open to learning and growing, not those who shut down or argue when given advice on how to do better.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance Over Workplace Commitment
Work-life balance is important, but some Gen Z applicants focus on it so much that hiring managers worry they won’t be committed to the job. Asking about vacation days, remote work options, and mental health breaks before even discussing job responsibilities will make interviewers question whether a candidate is truly interested in the actual work.
Overconfidence Without Experience
Confidence is great, but not when it turns into arrogance. Some budding applicants come into interviews acting like they already know everything, even when they have little to no experience. Managers respect enthusiasm, but they also value humility. When a candidate acts like they should be running the company instead of learning the ropes, it can be an immediate red flag.
Struggling With Face-to-Face Communication
In an era dominated by texting and social media, in-person communication skills aren’t always strong among Gen Z applicants. Some hiring managers notice that younger candidates avoid eye contact, struggle with small talk, or seem uncomfortable speaking directly to others.
Being able to communicate effectively in person is still a key part of most jobs.
Lack of Basic Workplace Etiquette
Simple things like showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and using professional language matter, but a lot of Gen Z job seekers don’t always follow these expectations. Hiring managers have noticed an increase in candidates who show up late to interviews, wear overly casual outfits, or use informal speech in professional settings.
Although office culture is changing, professionalism still matters, and failing to demonstrate it will cost you a job opportunity.
Unrealistic Expectations for Promotions
Climbing the career ladder takes time, but some new employees expect promotions after just a few months. Bosses have reported that many younger workers get frustrated if they don’t see immediate advancement. Ambition is always good, but employees need to understand that promotions come with experience, proven results, and long-term commitment.
Preference for Texting Over Talking
Too many younger employees prefer to communicate through messaging apps and emails instead of speaking directly with coworkers and managers. Everyone recognizes that digital communication is efficient, but there are times when a phone call or face-to-face conversation is necessary.
An over-reliance on texting can lead to misunderstandings, slow decision-making, and poor collaboration in the workplace.
Resisting Traditional Office Structures
Many Gen Z workers prefer casual, flexible environments, and reject traditional office structures completely. Frustrated managers increasingly find that younger employees struggle with hierarchy, formal processes, or even basic workplace expectations. Companies need employees who can function within an organization’s existing structure instead of constantly pushing back against it.
Asking About Perks Before Discussing Job Duties
It’s normal to want a good work environment, but some young job seekers focus so much on perks that they forget to ask about the actual job. Interviewers have encountered candidates who appear to be much more interested in remote work policies, gym memberships, and office snacks than the role itself. It doesn’t do them any favors.
Fear of Phone Calls and Voicemails
Phone anxiety is common among young people, but in many jobs, answering calls and returning voicemails is essential. Some hiring managers find that younger candidates avoid phone-based communication altogether, which can be a major issue in customer service, sales, or client-facing roles.
Expecting Immediate Job Satisfaction
To find a fulfilling career takes time, but some young people expect their first job to be perfectly aligned with their passions. Employers see many younger employees quitting too soon because they feel “unfulfilled” after a short time.
It’s important to enjoy work, but most jobs require patience, skill-building, and effort before they become deeply satisfying.
Relying Too Much on AI and Automation
Technology makes work easier, but some hiring managers worry that tech-savvy young workers rely too heavily on AI tools instead of developing their own problem-solving skills. From using ChatGPT to write emails to depend on automation for basic tasks, Gen Z candidates can struggle with independent thinking.
Employers want workers who can analyze situations, think critically, and adapt – all human skills that can’t be outsourced to technology.