As a social skills coach, I'm intrigued and concerned by the unique challenges that Generation Z faces in the professional world. A recent study revealed a surprising trend: 25% of Gen Zers—those born between 1997 and 2012—have brought a parent along to job interviews, whether in person or virtually. This behaviour, while seemingly unusual, is a reflection of the evolving dynamics and unique circumstances of this generation.

For older generations, this statistic might seem baffling. In the past, the idea of having a parent accompany you to an interview would have been unheard of, even laughable. Yet, a quarter of young people today do just that, indicating a significant shift in social norms and expectations.

Several factors contribute to this trend. Primarily, the lack of personal interaction plays a crucial role. Generation Z has grown up in a digital age, where texting and social media often replace face-to-face communication. This digital immersion has impacted their comfort and proficiency with in-person interactions.

An article from The Washington Post provided insights from high school teacher Emily Smith, who observed a noticeable decline in her students' social skills over the years. She noted, "Many of my Gen Z students struggle with basic face-to-face interactions. They are more comfortable texting or using social media than having a real conversation. It's not uncommon for them to avoid eye contact and appear anxious in social settings." Smith attributed these challenges to the extensive use of digital communication and the social isolation experienced during the pandemic. This insight sheds light on why some Gen Zers bring a parent to job interviews, seeking comfort and support in navigating these stressful situations.

Moreover, an article from The New York Times highlights similar concerns. Journalist Alex Williams reported that many employers have noticed a significant increase in young applicants showing signs of social anxiety and discomfort during interviews. One HR manager recounted how a candidate seemed unable to maintain eye contact or engage in small talk, which was unusual compared to previous generations. The manager speculated that the pandemic's social isolation and reliance on digital communication had severely impacted these young people's interpersonal skills. This helps explain why some Gen Zers bring a parent to interviews, seeking reassurance in a setting that feels overwhelmingly stressful.

This behaviour should not be misconstrued as a lack of capability by the young job seeker. Instead, it underscores the intense anxiety and stress associated with job interviews, further compounded by the pandemic's impact on their social development.

It is essential to recognise that the social skills of Gen Zers have been affected by the dual forces of a digital upbringing and the pandemic's disruption. They missed critical opportunities to hone these skills during lockdowns, making a generation more comfortable behind screens than in direct interaction.

Mocking these young adults is not the answer. They are navigating a world vastly different from that of Generation X and Baby Boomers. Acknowledging one’s limitations and seeking support when needed is a sign of self-awareness and strength.