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Are stereotypes about Gen Z true?

Selfish, disloyal, too laid-back. These are just some the stereotypes placed upon Generation Z, or those born between 1997-2015.

Two-time Academy Award winning actress Jodie Foster continued this trend recently by discussing her outlook on the generation as a whole, saying she finds Gen Z, “really annoying, especially in the workplace.” Foster summarized her interactions with the generation at work as, “they’re like, ‘nah, I’m not feeling it today, I’m gonna come in at 10:30am.’

This generation’s beliefs and attitudes are certainly contributing to some of the stereotypes but the portrayal as lazy and disinterested is often untrue. Nearly all prior generations have been subject to similar generalizations.

A recent study published from the Journal of Business and Psychology argues that all the generations are similar and the only differentiating factor is life stage. Specifically, the study found that work motivations are dramatically impacted by age but the views across those time periods (E.g. 20s, 30s, 40s, etc.) remain constant.

Although Gen Z may have a “work-shy” or even “lazy” reputation, in reality their viewpoints are skewed by the fact that they are the youngest generation in the workforce.

Gen Z is searching for three things at work: balance, benefits, and family life. Young professionals care deeply about work/life flexibility, financial stability, and increased leave periods.

But, there’s nothing new or unique about Gen Z’s demands. Perspectives shift as individual’s age, and the only modern factor is how it is being communicated online.

How to make your LinkedIn stand out

Are you feeling like your online profile is too plain? Are you trying to get an interview but can’t seem to crack the code?

Updating your LinkedIn is necessary to ensure you’re getting the opportunities you desire.

Here are three things you can do to uplevel your profile:

1. Ensure your picture and banner are professional

2. Create a compelling headline: go beyond your name and school, mention your key skills and motives

3. Write a strong summary: use keywords about the industry you are interested in to help improve searchability 

Finally, build your connections within the platform with networking in mind. There may come a time when you can refer someone to a position or vice versa. Connections also help with credibility. Connect with contacts that you know directly and interact with others in your desired industry by commenting, reposting, and liking posts.  

Deep Dive: 3 in 10 leaders won’t hire pro-Palestine activists

Getting hired as a Gen Zer is tough. There’s more data than ever about how employers are acting, including how they’re reacting to pro-Palestinian activists on campus. Read more about 2024 hiring trends here.