Gen Z forms part of the most future-oriented generation in the workforce, with 85% of Gen Z often or always considering long-term career goals when evaluating a new role. They are also the most mobile, with an average tenure of just 1.1 years in their first five years.
Yet Gen Z’s high mobility is a reaction to unmet expectations and a keen desire for progression. If an employer isn’t providing a clear upward trajectory, Gen Z won’t hesitate to move on.
For Gen Z talent however, they are encouraged to not move faster, but indeed, smarter. Here’s our guide on what you can do to strategically power your career forwards.
1. address the self-doubt paradox
Despite ambition, a striking sense of self-doubt persists amongst Gen Z. Over two-fifths of Gen Z talent (41%) report they lack the confidence to find another job. This lack of confidence is often linked to perceived external barriers, with around two in five feeling they cannot achieve their dream role due to their education or lack thereof. 40% of Gen Z report that they believe their personal background prevents them from realising their ideal career.
a powerful strategy: build internal resilience
Your greatest asset is your ability to learn—79% of Gen Z say they can learn new skills quickly. Leverage this strength by turning it into a career strategy. We recommend that Gen Z:
- Seek out mentors and build peer networks to help you identify the best skills needed for career development and the best ways to learn them.
- Have an open conversation with your manager. If you’re in a job currently, talk to your manager about a transparent career development pathway to help you build the skills you need to progress your career.
- Track your personal achievements and document your impact to reinforce your self-belief.
- Be proactive: Use your career development pathway to plan and track your progress.
2. master the ai-driven job market
AI is reshaping the job market, accelerating the decline of traditional entry-level roles. However, your digital fluency is a major advantage.
Gen Z are avid users of AI, with 55% already using it for problem-solving at work—the highest rate across all generations and 75% of Gen Z use AI tools as a popular form of learning.
how gen Z can use ai as their differentiator
Don’t just use AI to work; use it to get ahead.
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upskill with AI:
Take advantage of AI tools for continuous learning and development to boost your knowledge.
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use AI strategically for job hunting:
Only half of Gen Z are currently using AI to support their job search. Using it for tasks like writing applications and preparing for interviews can be a key differentiator and give you an advantage. However, be sure to customise each application for the role and company you are applying for. Don’t keep it generic and generate AI-slop!
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focus on non-automatable skills:
With employers redefining junior roles away from simple task-orientated roles, seize opportunities to demonstrate your unique value in areas like critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
3. move with purpose, not just pay
Financial pressures are real, and Gen Z is the most likely generation to compromise on personal values for strong pay and benefits. However, simply chasing pay can lead to the short tenures that you’re trying to escape.
your strategy: prioritise visible progression
A lack of progression opportunities is the strongest driver for Gen Z changing jobs, second only to pay.
- Hold open and frank discussions with line managers to set clear expectations and pathways for career progression.
- Seek out environments where development is visible, equitable, actionable, and continuous.
With this in mind, we encourage Gen Z to move not just quickly, but strategically. By seeking out valuable mentors, holding candid conversations with their managers, coupled with taking the steps to leverage the power of technology and AI, Gen Z can confidently seek out the jobs they want, with their vision set on long-term success.
While short-tenures to move towards a new role may seem like a promising alternative, and ‘quick solution’, we want to empower Gen Z with a career strategy that is focused on purpose, so that they can strive for success now and into the future!
