New Study Reveals Communication Struggles Among Recent College Grads Impact Job Interviews

Recent college graduates are facing challenges in job interviews, with communication setbacks leading to a preference for older candidates, according to a study conducted by the New Jersey-based research group Intelligent. The study, conducted in December 2023, surveyed 800 U.S. managers, directors, and executives involved in the hiring process.

The study found that developmental setbacks related to various factors have affected communication skills among Generation Z graduates. Employers reported that Gen Z candidates struggle to pick up professional cues, leading 39% of employers to favor hiring older candidates. About 60% of employers expressed a willingness to offer more benefits and higher salaries to attract older workers over recent grads.

In response to the perceived challenges, employers are adapting their hiring strategies. The study revealed that 48% of employers are offering remote or hybrid positions to older employees, while 46% are open to hiring overqualified candidates. These measures are seen as ways to address the perceived communication difficulties faced by recent college grads.

Over half of employers surveyed mentioned that Gen Z candidates struggle the most with eye contact during interviews. Additionally, about half of respondents reported instances where candidates in this age group asked for unreasonable salaries and dressed inappropriately for in-person interviews. Virtual interviews also presented challenges, with 21% of employers noting that some candidates refuse to turn on their cameras during the interview. Shockingly, nearly 20% of employers reported instances where recent college grads brought a parent to an interview.

The study delved into workplace performance, with 63% of employers expressing concern that Gen Z employees are unable to manage their workloads. About 60% reported that these employees are frequently late to work and often miss assignment deadlines. Employers also perceived Gen Z employees as entitled (63%), easily offended (58%), lacking professionalism, and having poor communication skills.

A separate August 2023 Intelligent survey provided insights into potential reasons for the struggles faced by recent college grads. Respondents identified “culture” as the primary reason for their unpreparedness, with half attributing the issue to parenting, 48% to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 46% to educators.

Human resources expert Natalie E. Norfus from The Norfus Firm in Miami pointed to various factors, including the demands on production and shifting employer priorities, as contributing to the challenges faced by recent grads. Joe Mull, an HR expert and author, suggested that the findings may be inherently skewed, emphasizing the fierce competition for talent and the historical tendency for older generations to perceive younger workers as less equipped.