Gen Z Job Hunt: 17 Trends and Tips on How to Stand Out

Gen Z job hunt is characterized by a focus on digital applications, a search for improved work-life balance, and a preference for hybrid or remote work options. Since Generation Z represents around 27% of the global workforce, it has brought about new trends in the job-seeking market.

In this article, we’ll explore the biggest trends associated with the Gen Z job search. We’ll see what’s new and unique about the way young professionals look for employment and explore the challenges they face. Lastly, we’ll give you expert tips on how to improve your resume by taking these trends into account and stand out when applying for a job.

What Makes the Gen Z Job Hunt Unique?

One of the primary things that makes a Gen Z job hunt unique is a digital-first mindset. Professionals from this generation gravitate toward LinkedIn and job apps when starting their search, while leveraging social media platforms for additional browsing and even networking.

Another distinguishing factor is the economic circumstances, such as the fact that they graduated during or after the COVID pandemic. This led to a period of high inflation, which, coupled with student debt, resulted in significant uncertainty. As a result, many professionals from Generation Z look for stability and meaningful work in their lives.

Let’s see what Gen Z wants in a career in comparison with Millennials and Gen X job hunts:

5 Gen Z Job Hunt Trends in 2025

Let’s take a look at the most prominent trends that influence Gen Z job search strategies.

#1. Digital Job Applications

Proficiency in the digital realm makes Gen Z not just adept at using all kinds of apps and online tools, but it also makes it their go-to method of looking for and applying for jobs. A study found that 54% of Gen Z job seekers won’t even complete an application if it involves an outdated procedure (e.g., no online forms or submission).

They focus on online job boards and LinkedIn as a standard platform for professionals and frequently leverage other social media websites to network and discover opportunities.

#2. Remote and Hybrid Work Preferences

One of the core preferences regarding the workspace for Gen Z is the possibility of a remote or hybrid arrangement. While the pandemic resulted in a significant increase and normalization of remote work, many Gen Z professionals still look for hybrid models. They prefer to have the possibility of both online and in-office work.

This allows them sufficient flexibility when working, autonomy, and focus when working on familiar tasks, while also providing an opportunity for collaboration and working with mentors and senior professionals.

#3. Emphasis on Work-Life Balance

For many Gen Z professionals, work-life balance is not just one of the perks but a prerequisite when applying for a job. In a poll that examined reasons why professionals chose their organizations, 25% of Gen Zs and 31% of Millennials mentioned that work-life balance was the main reason.

Gen Z workers put their physical and mental well-being as one of their top priorities. As a result, they are looking for companies that offer benefits like mental health days and flexible schedules, as well as organizations that foster collaborative environments and supportive cultures.

#4. Emergence of Portfolio Careers

The concept of a linear career progression is getting increasingly outdated and replaced by the idea of a portfolio career. Gen Zs realized that the gig economy is booming nowadays, and that one of the best ways to improve their abilities and earn a lucrative income is via side hustles and projects.

Such an approach grants professionals diverse skills for their resumes, which they can leverage to apply for various roles instead of a single position with limited responsibilities.

#5. AI-Powered Job Seeking

Artificial intelligence changed how Gen Z looks for a job by allowing for unprecedented levels of automation. Job seekers can apply for numerous positions with ease, using AI tools to tailor their resumes, write cover letters, track their applications, and more.

Optimizing a cover letter and resume with AI can help candidates pass ATS screening and grab the attention of recruiters. On the other hand, it makes the process more competitive, as more and more professionals are using it to get ahead of the competition.

4 Common Challenges Gen Z Faces in the Job Hunt

Now, let’s take a look at the biggest challenges that Gen Zs commonly encounter when applying for jobs.

#1. Lack of Experience

Limited work experience is one of the biggest obstacles Gen Z job seekers face. Since many of them are recent graduates, they often have to go up against candidates with professional histories who are also applying for entry-level positions in a competitive market.

Moreover, employers often prefer candidates with experience. As a result, many young professionals tend to get stuck in a familiar loop of “can’t get a job without experience, but can’t get experience without a job.”

#2. Balancing Passion and Practicality

Gen Zs often want plenty out of their employment, including work-life balance, stability, and purpose. However, the reality is that not many positions can satisfy every criterion while being financially rewarding and in alignment with a candidate’s values. With many other like-minded professionals applying for similar roles, the chances of finding one decrease further.

This turns the Gen Z job hunt into a balancing act and a game of compromise, especially in the early stages of their careers. While it’s not impossible to find a position that fulfills most (if not all) of the requirements, that can significantly prolong a job search. In some cases, it can be better to get a foot in the door with an entry-level role that satisfies at least some criteria.

#3. AI in Recruiting

While artificial intelligence helps make the job hunting process more efficient, it also adds obstacles and makes the competition more intense. Many Gen Z professionals look at employment seeking as a numbers game; they try to apply to as many positions as possible, even when they don’t exactly match their needs and circumstances.

On the other hand, 71% of Gen Zs reported encountering “ghost jobs.” These are positions that companies don’t plan to fulfill, or they never respond to the applicants, rendering their efforts (even if enhanced by AI) useless. Moreover, many companies are using AI to scan applications and resumes, making ATS compatibility and resume keywords all the more important.

#4. Generational Misconceptions

Gen Zs often have to combat negative stereotypes, especially when interacting with HR professionals and employers from older generations. Some employers see these professionals as unmotivated and come with preconceptions that they have a poor work ethic.

This disconnect stems from various aspects, such as different values and styles of communication. They all add to the difficulty of Gen Zs getting ahead of the competition and securing a job interview before they can demonstrate their proficiency.

5 Resume Tips for Gen Z Job Applications

Now that we’ve covered the trends and challenges shaping the Gen Z job hunt, let’s explore how you can tailor your resume to rise above the competition.

#1. Tailor Your Resume for ATS 

Many companies (especially large ones) use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes and filter through them before they even reach human eyes. These systems are set up to look for candidates who best fit the role.

As such, one of the best ways to make your resume ATS-proof is to add keywords from the job description. This mainly refers to skills and qualifications mentioned in the description, as well as the job title.

Additionally, you want to use an established resume format and a file type (typically PDF) to ensure that your document can be parsed by software.

#2. Showcase Digital Skills

Since digital proficiency is one of your core qualifications, you should lean into it and emphasize these skills adequately. Make sure to go beyond basic computer literacy, which most candidates add to their resumes, and highlight specific tools, software, frameworks, and techniques that you’re an expert at.

These skills can include specific software, coding languages, social media proficiency, graphic design, and more. For maximum effect, quantify these abilities by mentioning them next to relevant accomplishments and adding numbers to specify the results.

#3. Include Projects and Freelance Experience

Emphasizing projects and freelance experience is one of the best ways to offset a lack of professional history. This can also include any side hustles and volunteer experience that may be relevant to the role that you’re applying for. These activities won’t only showcase your competence but also demonstrate motivation and willingness to go the extra mile.

When adding these sections, make sure to include specific outcomes and accomplishments. Use numbers and percentages to add measurable value to your efforts, which will make your skills and qualifications stand out even further. 

#4. Balance Modern and Traditional

Personal websites, digital portfolios, and video resumes can help you stand out and showcase your skills by leveraging the latest technologies. However, sometimes an employer wants a simple, traditional resume. Moreover, a lot of job interviews Gen Z professionals have are also in a traditional format (in-person meetings with HR experts).

You should always refer to the job advertisement for instructions on how to apply and what to submit. As a general rule, if you’re applying for big, established companies, you’ll likely send a clean and professional one-page resume. On the other hand, when applying for startups or creative fields, you may submit a more visually engaging application.

#5. Emphasize Soft Skills

Soft skills can be just as important as technical abilities. They help you be more organized and productive while improving your ability to communicate and collaborate with the team. Some notable soft skills you can consider for your resume include:

Soft skills are much harder to measure and prove than hard skills, but you should still include them both in the skills section and next to relevant accomplishments. Highlighting them will show that you’re not just qualified for a specific job, but that you’re a versatile candidate who can thrive in a professional environment.

3 Expert Strategies to Supercharge Your Gen Z Job Hunt

Before we wrap up, here are three proven strategies that will help you get ahead of the competition.

#1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a go-to platform not just for job-seekers, but recruiters, as well. An optimized and well-written LinkedIn profile will help you showcase your qualifications and demonstrate professionalism.

Make sure that your profile is up-to-date with your latest accomplishments, employment history, abilities, and certifications, and that your headshot is professional. Write a compelling headline and an engaging summary of your career. Finally, engage with other professionals, participate in online discussions, and share your ideas to maximize your visibility.

#2. Network Online and Offline

Professional networking is a lifelong endeavor that happens both online and in person. In addition to connecting with others on LinkedIn, social media, and other platforms, you should also attend industry events, participate in workshops, go to seminars, and more.

You can also leverage informational interviews to connect with professionals and recruiters from your industry. This can give you valuable knowledge and connections even if it doesn’t directly result in employment.

#3. Build a Personal Brand

In a portfolio career-focused economy, one of the best things you can do is build a personal brand. In essence, you want to develop and maintain a clear and consistent voice in person and across all online platforms.

Share your work, discuss the things you’re passionate about, and engage with others to demonstrate devotion and willingness to go the extra mile long before recruiters even look at your resume.

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Closing Thoughts

Gen Z job hunt is governed by various trends and made more challenging by various obstacles that young professionals face in today’s market. Overcoming these obstacles requires a versatile approach that combines contemporary tools and strategies with traditional methods.

Nowadays, leveraging online and offline networking and building a personal brand is one of the best long-term career moves you can make. Still, don’t forget to stick to the basics, such as having a well-written resume and preparing for a job interview by going through the most common questions.

Gen Z Job Hunt FAQ

#1. Why is Gen Z struggling with employment?

Gen Z is struggling with employment because of fewer entry-level positions and the applicants’ high expectations. They also need to overcome various misconceptions and generational gaps, as well as compete with other professionals who have more experience.

#2. What should employers understand about Gen Z?

Employers should understand that Gen Zs look for purpose and flexibility in their work, while prioritizing work-life balance and mental health. They should also grasp the differences in communication styles, which would help them find young and motivated talent more easily.

#3. Are Gen Z more likely to job hop?

Gen Z professionals may be more likely to job hop, as 83% of them reported doing so, while 75% of the general workforce switches jobs before a promotion. However, this tactic may not be as effective as it used to be, since salary increases aren’t as prominent anymore.