How to Approach Gen Z Candidates & Their Most Common Mistakes

As the years go by, and yesterday’s children are today’s professional prospects, hiring managers in Cyprus and abroad need to adapt to their contemporary aspirations, nuances, and distinct qualities in order to effectively communicate and build a solid foundation with them.

The differences noted between Gen Z and previous generations of top talent come down to the world each one grew up in. For instance, the job landscape in 2026 is hardly the same as it was back in the 90s.

By truly understanding how Gen Z candidates think and operate, recruiters have a much improved chance of getting through to them, and facilitating a smooth transition for them in a new work environment.

The question is, what is the most effective way to get to know Gen Z workers and what mistakes do they tend to make in pursuit of their career ambitions?

Common Gen Z Mistakes

With Gen Zers still in their 20s, it is understandable that they lack the professional experience that comes with age, making them as flawed in certain aspects as they are brilliant in others.

One of the main concerns HR managers have raised about Gen Z job seekers is that compared to older generations, they don’t always make a great first impression, as they often lack some essential communication skills. Moving from the “bubble” that is school-university life to the real world is quite the transition, and in general, there is no handbook on proper etiquette and guidelines. According to several recruiters, Gen Z candidates often display a lack of formality, opting for casual language in early interactions, such as emails or during the interview process, which unbeknownst to them, makes them come across as slightly unprofessional.

Another common finding is that many of them have no realistic or clear image of their current professional whereabouts, overestimating their position to leverage their dream salary. It has been noted by hiring managers that Gen Zers often have distorted salary and role expectations, based on their experience and qualifications at the time, with reality leaving them disappointed and even demoralised.

Furthermore, in what could only be described as a sign of the times, Gen Z candidates tend to be fairly outspoken about their job-hopping aspirations as a means to further their career as quickly as possible. While being alert and not allowing yourself to stagnate on a professional level is certainly a valid way to approach your career growth, showing such clear signs of it from the start, only leaves recruiters unsure about the candidate’s potential for long-term commitment.

How to Approach Gen Z Candidates

With all that being said, what is the way to help these young professionals realise their potential in a way that benefits them as much as it does the company itself?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as each individual is their own person, there are some general instructions on how to adapt the recruitment process in a way that would bridge this generational gap naturally and organically.

There is no doubt that young employees are only getting brighter and don’t need to be spoonfed any information. However, what they may usually need is guidance.

Someone to show them the ropes of the current job market in a manner that speaks to them. 

Several studies have shown that members of Gen Z place significant value on inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability in the workplace. So, by highlighting the company culture, CSR activations, and any future roadmaps, recruiters have the opportunity to motivate potential candidates, and help them trust and respect the company even further.

Similarly, by providing them with a clear platform to grow, learn, and evolve through their work, you not only entice Gen Z candidates to work for you, but you invest in the company’s long-term future in a way that actually matters.

The best place to identify and approach local Gen Z talent is of course, none other than Ergodotisi, the premier job search platform in Cyprus, where highly qualified candidates and respectable businesses come together to progress in unison.