Geographic Solutions, a leading provider of workforce development software for government and the public sector, has unveiled the findings of a recent survey of 500 job seekers. The survey offers an in-depth look into the job search habits of different generations, including Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. As the job market continues to evolve, the data sheds light on how each generation approaches employment opportunities and what stressors they face.
Generational Stress Points in the Job Search Process
The survey reveals distinct stress points that vary by generation:
- Gen Z (62%): The most common stressor for Gen Z respondents is the limited number of available job opportunities. This younger generation appears to struggle with fewer positions to apply for in the current job market.
- Millennials (67%) and Gen X (61%): Both Millennials and Gen X highlighted the lack of communication from employers as the most anxiety-inducing factor during the job search. The delay or absence of feedback from employers can be frustrating, leading to uncertainty and stress.
- Baby Boomers: Baby Boomers reported experiencing higher levels of stress due to intense competition with other job seekers and long, drawn-out interview processes. This generation often faces challenges with the competitive nature of the workforce and extended hiring timelines.
Workplace Preferences: Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person
The survey also explores job seekers’ preferences for work models. The desire for fully remote positions is on the decline, with only 13% of job seekers, across all age groups, indicating this as their preferred option.
However, the data reveals generational nuances:
- Baby Boomers: Nearly a quarter of Baby Boomers expressed a preference for remote work over in-person or hybrid models.
- Gen Z (57%) and Millennials (50%): These younger generations favor hybrid work models that offer a balance between in-person and remote work.
- Gen X: Gen X job seekers showed a stronger preference for in-person roles, with less interest in remote or hybrid options.
Resume Embellishment Trends
An intriguing finding of the survey is the prevalence of resume embellishment among job seekers:
- 60% of all job seekers: Over half of the respondents admitted to embellishing their resumes in order to increase their chances of securing a job.
- Gen Z (60%): Gen Z respondents were more likely to exaggerate their skills.
- Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers (70%): These generations were more prone to exaggerating their job titles, perhaps to align with the expectations for roles they are applying for.
Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “This data continues to help us understand the journey millions of career-seeking individuals experience each year. Our goal with this survey is to better inform employers, recruiters, and industry stakeholders on the different approaches each generation takes to find quality employment.”
