How Gen Z Can Communicate Their Skills to Other Generations
- amy Leighton
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
As Gen Z moves further and further toward joining the workforce, they are interviewing more frequently. Research finds that some struggle with the interview process. Between attempting to answer typical questions to following traditions like wearing uncomfortable interview clothes, Gen Z is different from the generations before them. Still, it’s most critical for Gen Z to be able to communicate their skills sets during these interviews. Here are ways they can get their point across during an interview.
Work on general interview skills. The best way to communicate anything to a different generation is to temporarily adapt to their expectations during an interview. Generally, Gen Z tends to find interviews too formal and to one-sided. The actually like to think of interviews as a two-way street. But to adapt and be able to get their point across, Gen Z should think more about playing the part. This means making eye contact, watching their body language, and putting their phones away. If you want to stand out as a Gen Zer to an older generation, care about these traditional interview components and be willing to answer standard questions thoughtfully like, “Tell me about a weakness you have and how you overcame it.”
Work in some small talk. The phone and computer screen has always been a part of Gen Z’s life. With this barrier to not only get in the way but also rely on, they haven’t had to small talk like previous generations. Let’s face it, a lot of people don’t like to small talk but still learned how to participate in the past time. If you don’t work on communicating in this way, you could come across as cold or rude so small talking is a good way to set up the environment to communicate anything you’d like to talk about such as your skills.
Practice beforehand. One good thing about Gen Z is they know how to roll with the punches. They came of age during a pandemic and major political upheaval, so they are familiar with adapting in tough conditions. Still, they can get thrown off by the simplest personal interactions. So, when you want to communicate what you can add to an organization, get together with some peers and practice the whole interaction. Walk into the mock interview and think about handshakes and gestures. Go over some sample questions and answers. Think about how you will deal with any awkwardness that may happen while you describe what you bring to the table.
Where Gen Zers may want to focus is on their outward displays of interest. It’s sometimes easier just to list things you’ve accomplished and tasks you’ve completed at work than it is to adjust how you come across. Show you’re engaged and willing to explain the value you bring to a company. Some Gen Zers can seem more interested in what a company can do for them than how they themselves would fit in. Also, make sure you can demonstrate you’re willing to stick with a company for a while because turnover is costly.
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