The American publication quotes a student magazine that conducted a survey in December involving 800 managers, directors and executives involved in recruitment in the USA.

39% of responding employers stated a preference for hiring older individuals over fresh graduates, partly because young professionals do not make a good first impression in job interviews.

More than half of employers stated that young recruits have difficulty maintaining eye contact during interviews, and 50% said they have requested unreasonable compensation.

Almost 20% of employers claimed to have interviewed graduates who came to the interview accompanied by a parent, and one candidate came to the interview "inappropriately dressed".

Among those who stated a preference for hiring older individuals, 60% would be willing to offer more benefits to attract them, 59% said they would offer higher salaries, 48% said they would allow remote or hybrid work options, and 46% said they would be willing to hire overqualified candidates.

Young professionals also seem to be perceived as challenging individuals in the workplace. Almost two-thirds of employers stated that recent graduates seem entitled to the job, while 58% said they "get upset too easily".

Over 50% of bosses believe that young graduates are not prepared for the job market, that they "do not respond well to feedback", and have "poor communication skills".

As Generation Z has entered the workforce in increasing numbers in recent years, employers have expressed concern about the younger generation's ability to adapt to corporate life.

PWC, Deloitte and KPMG are among the major firms that have stated that Generation Z youths who graduated during the pandemic struggle to practice basic communication skills and office etiquette.

As a result, companies have offered young employees additional courses on basic skills, such as email etiquette, workplace attire and teamwork.