When Megan Rathmell stepped out of her job interview earlier this year, she was convinced she had blown it. The 20-year-old had felt unprepared and nervous throughout the conversation, assuming those nerves had cost her the chance at the paralegal role she wanted. But when she later learned she’d secured the position, she was surprised to hear that her ability to maintain eye contact and keep the conversation flowing was what made her stand out.
“My boss told me I had strong communication skills and could maintain eye contact, which is something he doesn’t often see from people in my age group,” said Rathmell, who now works in Virginia. “That feedback was really unexpected for me.”
Rathmell’s experience speaks to a broader trend that recruiters and hiring managers are observing: some Gen Z graduates struggle with the basics of interviewing, often due to a lack of experience or poor preparation. These missteps, ranging from inappropriate attire to bringing parents along to interviews, are often seen as indicators of immaturity or unprofessionalism.
“There have always been bad interviewers,” said Dr. Nathan Mondragon, chief innovation officer at HireVue. “But it seems more common these days.” The prevalence of virtual communication has reduced opportunities for young people to gain experience in face-to-face interactions, making high-stakes interviews feel even more daunting. This trend was exacerbated during the pandemic when in-person interactions became even rarer.
Another contributing factor is over-involved parenting. Some parents step in to assist their children too much, while others fail to prepare their children for professional environments. As a result, young adults may enter the job market with limited self-sufficiency and confidence, particularly in interviews.
Preparing for Success: From Resumes to Research
Preparation is key to acing a job interview. According to Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder, candidates should never attempt to wing an interview. Much like preparing for an exam or presentation, interviews require thorough research and practice.
