Generation Z and interviews
Discussion
Excuse the mini rant.
I've been interviewing people this week for a role we have advertised. Of the 6 people I had lined up to come in and interview, not one of them agreed to come in at the proposed time. Each and every one said they couldnt make that day, so we had to change it. A minor annoyance, but I'm sure they had their reasons.
Of the 6:
- 1 turned up half an hour late with no warning beforehand
- 1 emailed back straight after being offered an interview, and explained they had made a typo on their salary expectation, and in fact wanted more
- 1 person turned up 1 hour late with no warning beforehand
- 1 person, the first question they asked (at the start of the interview) was 'how long would I have to wait before being promoted'
- 1 person emailed on the morning of the interview to say he couldnt come in because he had a cough. Could we do the interview online instead.
It's an IT related role working in an office, so not exactly minimum wage shop work.
None of them seem to want to put themselves out in order to get a job. We have to fit in around them. Why they didnt phone and warn us they were going to be late is beyond me. All of them were in their early 20's, so not exactly little kids.
Anyway I'm going to get my slippers on, and go back to shouting at the clouds.
I've been interviewing people this week for a role we have advertised. Of the 6 people I had lined up to come in and interview, not one of them agreed to come in at the proposed time. Each and every one said they couldnt make that day, so we had to change it. A minor annoyance, but I'm sure they had their reasons.
Of the 6:
- 1 turned up half an hour late with no warning beforehand
- 1 emailed back straight after being offered an interview, and explained they had made a typo on their salary expectation, and in fact wanted more
- 1 person turned up 1 hour late with no warning beforehand
- 1 person, the first question they asked (at the start of the interview) was 'how long would I have to wait before being promoted'
- 1 person emailed on the morning of the interview to say he couldnt come in because he had a cough. Could we do the interview online instead.
It's an IT related role working in an office, so not exactly minimum wage shop work.
None of them seem to want to put themselves out in order to get a job. We have to fit in around them. Why they didnt phone and warn us they were going to be late is beyond me. All of them were in their early 20's, so not exactly little kids.
Anyway I'm going to get my slippers on, and go back to shouting at the clouds.
Couldn't agree more with your frustration. And then I watched this and saw another perspective. Simon Sinek gave me a very different view. I'm not suggesting they are totally blameless but I can also see how society, modern parenting and modern education have all created a generation unprepared for the workplace.
https://youtu.be/hER0Qp6QJNU
https://youtu.be/hER0Qp6QJNU
I guess I'm technically a gen z (I'm 33)? But this is pretty insane.
There's no way I'd treat an interview like this. An interview is a privilege for people on both sides of the table, but arguably a lot more for the interviewee at this stage in their career.
If anyone tried these with me I think my answer would be to cancel the interview personally.
There's no way I'd treat an interview like this. An interview is a privilege for people on both sides of the table, but arguably a lot more for the interviewee at this stage in their career.
If anyone tried these with me I think my answer would be to cancel the interview personally.
I had to google generation Z. You mean millenials 
I can't see millennials being any worse than prior generations. It's social and mainstream media that is just more pervasive and louder now - anything and everything is exaggerated and so we have a heightened sense of stuff.
Previous generations were more robotic, liked instructions and the old hierarchical structure. It was a privilege for them to work as slaves for 70 hours a week and get noticed by the boss, so that they could be promoted to 80 hours a week and more responsibility. "Earning your stripes" as it were. I'm exaggerating but think of lawyers, bankers, consultants and a bunch of other careers where this was the case in the 70's and 80's but is being challenged by the new generation - we all expect work/life balance and millenials are the generation driving that. There were plenty of useless candidates back then too, like the ones you mention, so let's not look back with rose tinted glasses.
I have worked in IT operations (service desk, security administration etc). These entry roles do attract certain dross - it's the same in call centres who don't all pay half bad. Out of every 10 people, you have 3-5 that are pretty useless and have an awful work ethic. There are plenty of good people itching to be given a chance/ Be patient and keep looking
I can't see millennials being any worse than prior generations. It's social and mainstream media that is just more pervasive and louder now - anything and everything is exaggerated and so we have a heightened sense of stuff.
Previous generations were more robotic, liked instructions and the old hierarchical structure. It was a privilege for them to work as slaves for 70 hours a week and get noticed by the boss, so that they could be promoted to 80 hours a week and more responsibility. "Earning your stripes" as it were. I'm exaggerating but think of lawyers, bankers, consultants and a bunch of other careers where this was the case in the 70's and 80's but is being challenged by the new generation - we all expect work/life balance and millenials are the generation driving that. There were plenty of useless candidates back then too, like the ones you mention, so let's not look back with rose tinted glasses.
I have worked in IT operations (service desk, security administration etc). These entry roles do attract certain dross - it's the same in call centres who don't all pay half bad. Out of every 10 people, you have 3-5 that are pretty useless and have an awful work ethic. There are plenty of good people itching to be given a chance/ Be patient and keep looking
I will admit to being guilty of one of these things, however that was minimum wage shop work. Had 2 interviews lined up on the same day (10AM, 2PM).
The earlier interview was my preferred role, Hadn't realised at the time but the employer was pretty desperate for staff, was offered a job contract then and there for a start the following week. I did feel bad, but fired a quick email off to the other recruiter before lunch explaining the situation truthfully, got a congratulatory response and thanked for at least emailing her to tell her I would be a no show, and that many don't.
As a 'millennial' I do know a shortcoming of mine is being forever business casual, it drives my dad nuts that'd I'd go to an interview in a set of steel toed work boots, black jeans and casual grey shirt. Has never failed to get me an offer though, that being said my current employment history is entry level technical roles & driving roles so I imagine it is more acceptable in that type of job.
The earlier interview was my preferred role, Hadn't realised at the time but the employer was pretty desperate for staff, was offered a job contract then and there for a start the following week. I did feel bad, but fired a quick email off to the other recruiter before lunch explaining the situation truthfully, got a congratulatory response and thanked for at least emailing her to tell her I would be a no show, and that many don't.
As a 'millennial' I do know a shortcoming of mine is being forever business casual, it drives my dad nuts that'd I'd go to an interview in a set of steel toed work boots, black jeans and casual grey shirt. Has never failed to get me an offer though, that being said my current employment history is entry level technical roles & driving roles so I imagine it is more acceptable in that type of job.
GrumpyTwig said:
Do screening phone interviews first before you bother with face to face. It'll weed out some of the tripe easier and can just be a 5 minute intro.
Some would say that the ‘old fashioned ‘ approach to hiring may have had its day; your experience kind of backs that view up to a point.And applying the same approach, regardless of the role and remuneration, has certainly had its day.
A number of organisations are innovating in order to attract the best candidates and engage them throughout the process.
The traditional approach of an advert, shortlisting and interviewing, often with substantial gaps and radio silence in between, will not retain the best candidates throughout the process, as you have found.
The pre-screening mentioned above may have a role to play, and would be enhanced further if candidates are engaged continuously throughout the process, but a process that needs to not have any undue delay.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
However there also seem to be a number of trends for those over 40 in the workplace. Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
In my early 20s (not long ago). I turned up 45min late for a job and was very suprised I still go it. I did however call them up well over an hour in advance of the interview time telling them that I had missed my train and i potentially might be as much as an hour late, called them up again once I was out the other end and walking up so they knew how long I'd be.
They didn't seemed to mind and appriciated that I kept open communication with them and give them updates.
They didn't seemed to mind and appriciated that I kept open communication with them and give them updates.
a) To an extent, these expectations are created because someone else is offering them. It's a competitive market for talent (especially in tech), so those with the skills can afford to be demanding. Those who are being unrealistic will eventually find out, and take a lower offer. Ultimately the market will solve.
b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
brickwall said:
a)
b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
I understand that. But surely they should prove themselves first. If they demonstrate (once in the role) that they are capable, dependable, and have a good work ethic, then we can talk promotions etc. b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
Is there an assumption that 'I've been here 6 months, therefore I'm due a promotion' regardless of how they are doing in the job? Nobody wants to work in a dead end job. But a promotion is something you work towards and achieve. It isnt necessarily something someone is entitled to, just because.
ambuletz said:
In my early 20s (not long ago). I turned up 45min late for a job and was very suprised I still go it. I did however call them up well over an hour in advance of the interview time telling them that I had missed my train and i potentially might be as much as an hour late, called them up again once I was out the other end and walking up so they knew how long I'd be.
They didn't seemed to mind and appriciated that I kept open communication with them and give them updates.
That sort of thing would give me a positive impression - having a person who can think under pressure and keep communicating is really rather valuable in a work environment, as is the fact that you under promised (I might be as much as an hour late) and then over-delivered (turned up 45 minutes late). They didn't seemed to mind and appriciated that I kept open communication with them and give them updates.
Thats What She Said said:
brickwall said:
a)
b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
I understand that. But surely they should prove themselves first. If they demonstrate (once in the role) that they are capable, dependable, and have a good work ethic, then we can talk promotions etc. b) I have some sympathy for the salary and promotion question. In London you're not getting on the property ladder until you're earning £70k; in the rest of the country it's more like £35k. They are asking "When will I be able to consider buying a house?"
Is there an assumption that 'I've been here 6 months, therefore I'm due a promotion' regardless of how they are doing in the job? Nobody wants to work in a dead end job. But a promotion is something you work towards and achieve. It isnt necessarily something someone is entitled to, just because.
I certainly thought hard about the type of company I wanted to join and cared more about clear progression paths and the opportunity to learn than immediate pay.
However, imagine you've just spend £50k on gaining a degree and now a number of the roles you're being offered are paying a few grand more than an admin assistant role. You're also thinking about how the hell you make it onto the property ladder before you're 30.
cat with a hat said:
However, imagine you've just spend £50k on gaining a degree and now a number of the roles you're being offered are paying a few grand more than an admin assistant role. You're also thinking about how the hell you make it onto the property ladder before you're 30.
Mainly by not spending £50k on a degree that only earns you a few grand more than an admin assistant role.eta
average age of a FTB is over 30.
Edited by CaptainSlow on Sunday 2nd December 10:32
some apps will only apply to satisfy the claimant commitment for their benefits with no intention of actually landing the job.
i dont think grads or anyone else for that matter should feel they are entitled to think how can I possibly get on the housing ladder......owning a home is a privilege not a right. thats of no concern to any employer.
what were the total number of application if you was short listing 6 -just interested to know the figures.............
was there a Generation Y that I missed or did we go straight from Gen X to Gen Z?
i dont think grads or anyone else for that matter should feel they are entitled to think how can I possibly get on the housing ladder......owning a home is a privilege not a right. thats of no concern to any employer.
what were the total number of application if you was short listing 6 -just interested to know the figures.............
was there a Generation Y that I missed or did we go straight from Gen X to Gen Z?
ToothbrushMan said:
some apps will only apply to satisfy the claimant commitment for their benefits with no intention of actually landing the job.
i dont think grads or anyone else for that matter should feel they are entitled to think how can I possibly get on the housing ladder......owning a home is a privilege not a right. thats of no concern to any employer.
what were the total number of application if you was short listing 6 -just interested to know the figures.............
was there a Generation Y that I missed or did we go straight from Gen X to Gen Z?
20 applicants in total. Of those, 6 were invited to interview.i dont think grads or anyone else for that matter should feel they are entitled to think how can I possibly get on the housing ladder......owning a home is a privilege not a right. thats of no concern to any employer.
what were the total number of application if you was short listing 6 -just interested to know the figures.............
was there a Generation Y that I missed or did we go straight from Gen X to Gen Z?
Apparently (and I had to look it up).
Baby boomers > Gen X > Gen Y (millenials) > Gen Z
Tim1989 said:
However there also seem to be a number of trends for those over 40 in the workplace.
Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
Not saying my generation are perfect but you are right about the older generation in the workplace. They are the ones that are always off with stress/sick kids/sick family members sometimes without even calling in as they think that due to their age it's above them.Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
I sit next to a woman in my work who is in her 50's and is constantly going on about how she has too much work to do and not enough time to do it. It doesn't seem to stop her sitting on facebook for most of the day or chatting nonsense to people or doing a bit of online shopping or renewing her mortgage online like she did the other week. She also told the boss the other day she had to leave work early for a medical appointment however admitted to the rest of us that she had actually got a groupon voucher for dermabraision and was away to use it :s.
Tim1989 said:
However there also seem to be a number of trends for those over 40 in the workplace.
Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
Agree with a lot of this. Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
Some of the frustration with millenials is that having grown up with IT as part of our lives, we're generally quite lazy and can often see ways things could be automated, quicker and more efficient using technology. Meanwhile business' are stuck in the 'we've always done it this way' mentality, and 50 year old managers are either unaware, or unwilling to consider, alternatives.
Tim1989 said:
However there also seem to be a number of trends for those over 40 in the workplace.
Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
I don’t recognise that at all, especially not the idea that younger people do things faster. I can knock out a spreadsheet in half an hour that takes our grads days, as they just aren’t up to speed on technology so soon out of university.Inflexible. Kids off sick/ wife ill means they’ll happily take a day or two off and let others (and the company) take up the slack.
Poor IT skills. Taking twice as long to perform simple tasks etc.
Complete reluctance to upskill. Given plenty of opportunities to advance skills and abilities, yet turns them down as might mean more time away from home or more work to do.
A ‘this is how it’s always been done’ attitude rather than being prepared to consider that other ways might be better.
There are many who don’t do this, but these are too prevalent to not be considered a trend.
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