In a world where Generation Z seems to be taking some rather unusual approaches to everything from entertainment to employment, a recent survey claims that a startling 77% of Gen Z workers are bringing their parents along to job interviews. Now, perhaps such a phenomenon once seemed confined to just those awkward moments during family gatherings, but apparently, the baby bird just won’t leave the nest without a nudge—or maybe a full-fledged shove.
Imagine sitting across from a candidate as they confidently unfold their resume, only for them to pause mid-sentence, turn to the person sitting beside them, and ask them to take over. It’s as if we’re witnessing a new type of job fair—one where the parental unit becomes a portable, all-in-one career coach and personal cheerleader. For those hiring, it might feel less like an interview and more like a scene from an ill-conceived reality show.
Equipped with smartphones that seem permanently glued to their hands, some Gen Z candidates apparently find it challenging to set them aside even during the crucial moments of a job interview. Perhaps they’re Googling the answers in real-time or getting direct advice from their parent-turned-representative sitting next to them—a true dynamic duo of job acquisition.
We might chuckle at the idea of parents acting like deluxe Gucci bags, brought along to bolster a candidate’s status or confidence during interviews. Perhaps these candidates believe that if mom is an accomplished banker, then they will inherit those skills by mere association. Or maybe bringing the parent is some kind of flex, showcasing family ties as a hidden talent. Yet, for most managers, the sudden appearance of mom or dad probably feels like they just got cornered into an unexpected episode of “Family Feud.”
Nonetheless, there might be something deeper at play. With a job landscape that is arguably challenging for younger generations, it’s hard to ignore the predicament some Gen Zers face. Babysitting and lifeguarding can only go so far when it comes to accumulating work experience, but let’s admit, showing responsibility usually does not entail hauling your family to interviews. For those considering this approach, it might be wise to instead let the professionalism shine as brightly as their social media curated playlists do. Who knows, they might just surprise themselves—without a parental coach.
