TAMPA, Fla. — Thousands of Hillsborough County students might be a step closer to landing their first big job.
At the Tampa Convention Center, they’re meeting with dozens of potential employers and getting advice about how to increase their chances of getting hired.
The countywide workforce event is taking place at several locations this month and helps students learn how to present themselves while increasing their chances of getting paid more.
But when it comes to hiring Gen Z, employers say they have plenty to learn from the kids too.
“Their mind is like totally different from back in the day,” Roy Edwards, one of the recruiters at the job fair, said.
“They are very different,” recruiter Luz Reyes added. “Different from the older generation for sure.”
According to a recent survey from professional services network Deloitte, salary is still the most important factor for Generation Z when it comes to deciding on a job.
But more so than any other generation, if given a choice between more money at a boring job or less income at a rewarding one, Gen Z wants a more fulfilling workplace and career that meets more than just their financial needs.
“It's important, of course, because you need money to survive,” Sophia Childers, one of the students at the job fair, said. “But I don't think it's the most important. I'd rather have a career that I absolutely love.”
Faith Ambaye, a junior, agreed. “I prioritize happiness and fulfillment,” she said moving from table to table.
The next generation of workers sees the world and workplace differently according to the career platform Qureos. Their survey shows that 77% of Gen Z prioritize a work-life balance, including employers who value diversity and advancement and are good global citizens.
“I want to make sure the employer generally cares about the environment and not only focus on money and production,” Ambaye explained.
“What interests me most is that I can be in a workplace where I feel comfortable with myself and with my coworkers,” Sheilys Perez, another junior, said.
“If the place that you're working doesn't meet your ethics then you're not gonna enjoy your work,” classmate Eugene Griffith added. “And if you don't enjoy your work, then you're not going to want to work.”
That sort of feedback also makes the job fairs a learning experience for employers who are looking for ways to attract and retain the best and brightest of Gen Z.
“The questions that they are asking - they are a little more in-depth on what we do as a company,” Michelle Pluguez, a recruiter at the job fair, said.
“They want to know what you are doing more than just paying someone and giving them benefits,” Reyes said. “That’s not ideal for this generation like it was for us when we started looking for jobs.”
The workforce event continues throughout the month.
Organizers say job seekers don't have to be students to meet with some of the job fair employers. They say at 1 p.m. each day of the event, the doors open for a full hour to the general public as well.
