Gen Z v. Millennials: Key Differences Recruiters Need to Understand
These two generations makeup more than 50% of the U.S. population, meaning they’re both important demographics to think about when putting together a recruiting strategy. Here’s the difference between the two and what they’re looking for in a future employer.
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | May 10, 2017
These two generations makeup more than 50% of the U.S. population (1), meaning they’re both important demographics to think about when putting together a recruiting strategy. Here’s the difference between the two and what they’re looking for in a future employer:
Generation Z
- Born: 1995–2012
- Current Population: 23 million
Millennials
- Born: 1977–1994
- Current Population: 71 million (2)
Temperament
Gen Z: They’re eager to start working. 55% of high school students said they feel pressure to gain early professional experience. (3) Millennials: Have a reputation for being hard to retain. But after one year, employers retain 75% of their new college hires who have internship experience with an employer. (4)Work Style
Gen Z: They’re more entrepreneurial. 72% want to start their own business. (5) Millennials: Look for growth opportunities. 60% consider growth opportunities the most attractive company perk.Communication Style
Gen Z: They communicate in person. 51% said they prefer in-person communication as opposed to emailing or instant messaging. (6) Millennials: They learn through their peers, both on and offline. 65% say they hear about companies through friends or job boards. (7)Digital Savvy
Gen Z: They’re aware of their personal brand. These digital natives are conscious of their footprint, gravitating toward Snapchat where images and message disappear into thin air. (8) Millennials: Online privacy isn’t keeping them up at night. Only 20% said they worry about privacy “a good deal.”Diversity & Inclusiveness
Gen Z: The most diverse and multicultural of any generation. They’ll surely value a workforce that represents their world. (9) Millennials: Likely to surround themselves with like minded individuals. 75% of Millennials look for a people and culture fit with employers. (10)(1) U.S. Census, 2014 (2) Generations X, Y, Z, and the Others WJSchroer (3) The High School Careers Study, Millennial Branding & Internship.com (4) NACE Survey, 2013 (5) The Final Generation, ERE Media, Jan. 2016 (6) Gen Z Employees: The 5 Attributes You Need to Know, Entrepreneur, Sep. 2014 (7) NACE Survey, 2013 (8) The Final Generation, ERE Media, Jan. 2016 (9) Move Over Millennials -- Here Comes Gen Z, Ad Ag, Jan 2016 (10) NACE Survey, 2013
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.
