In recent years, there’s been growing frustration from employers about Gen Z graduates entering the workforce. Despite their technical skills and digital fluency, many young professionals are struggling to meet the expectations of today’s employers. A recent report from Intelligent shows that this frustration has turned into action, with six in 10 employers saying they have already fired Gen Z hires just months after onboarding them. The root of the problem? A lack of essential soft skills like communication, professionalism, and initiative.
This trend is not just a temporary hiccup—it’s changing how companies view fresh graduates. One in six bosses say they are now hesitant to hire recent grads, and one in seven admit they may avoid hiring them altogether next year. The consequences of this could be long-lasting for the class of 2024 and beyond. According to the survey, three-quarters of companies reported that their recent graduate hires were unsatisfactory in some way. Issues such as lack of motivation, poor communication, and unprofessional behavior were among the top complaints.
Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach, has been following this trend closely and stresses the importance of developing soft skills to thrive in today’s job market. “We’ve all heard that it’s not about what you know, but who you know. But in today’s work environment, it’s not just about networking, it’s about how you engage and communicate in these interactions,” says Mizes.
Networking is a critical soft skill that many professionals—and not just Gen Z—struggle with. As Mizes points out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on small talk or surface-level conversation when building professional relationships. But the key to effective networking, and career success more broadly, is going deeper and developing meaningful connections.
“Networking can be incredibly nerve-racking, especially when you’re approaching executives or industry leaders,” Mizes explains. “But that’s why, when you do get the chance to network, make it count. Small talk is the surest way to zone somebody out.”
Instead of asking the same repetitive questions, Mizes encourages professionals to ask questions that spark engaging discussions. “What’s the most exciting part of your role?” can generate a more memorable and meaningful conversation than simply asking, “What do you do?”
Where Gen Z is Falling Short
The survey data from Intelligent.com paints a sobering picture of the challenges Gen Z is facing. Employers cited several soft skills as key reasons for firing new graduates: poor communication, unprofessional behavior, lack of organization, and missing deadlines. Tangible workplace problems—such as being late to meetings, inappropriate dress, and an inability to meet workload expectations—were also noted as significant concerns.
According to these hiring managers, the problem isn’t just that young professionals are unprepared for the workforce; it’s that they’re not showing the motivation or initiative needed to succeed. Fifty percent of the leaders surveyed said a lack of motivation was a primary reason things didn’t work out with their new hires.
But the good news is that this is an area where growth is possible. A positive attitude, strong communication, and networking skills can be developed, and these are what will ultimately set apart successful young professionals from those who struggle to keep their jobs.
Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
If there’s one thing that employers repeatedly emphasized, it’s the importance of initiative and attitude. Some business leaders, including high-profile CEOs like Amazon’s Andy Jassy, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, and Virgin’s Richard Branson, have stressed that a positive attitude and willingness to learn are more valuable than a college degree.
“You can have all the technical skills in the world,” says Mizes, “but if you can’t communicate effectively, collaborate with your team, and demonstrate initiative, you’ll struggle to find lasting success.”
This is where the basics of networking come in. Networking isn’t just about trading business cards or making polite small talk at conferences. It’s about building genuine, long-lasting relationships that can propel your career forward. A.J. Mizes offers the following tips for professionals looking to up their networking game and sharpen their soft skills:
- Deepen the Conversation: Go beyond surface-level questions. Asking deeper questions like “What’s the most exciting part of your role?” shows that you’re engaged and interested.
- Reach Outside of Your Peer Group: Don’t just network with colleagues at your level. Seek out mentors and leaders who can help you grow.
- Go in With a Game Plan: Before entering a networking conversation, be clear on what you hope to achieve. Whether you’re looking for a job, mentorship, or advice, knowing your goals will help guide the conversation.
Attitude and Initiative are Key
Many experts, including Huy Nguyen, Chief Education and Career Development Advisor at Intelligent.com, agree that taking initiative is one of the most important factors in career success. “Take the initiative to ask thoughtful questions, seek feedback, and apply it to show your motivation for personal growth,” says Nguyen.
Employers are looking for workers who are not just technically capable, but also show enthusiasm and the ability to adapt. As employers continue to navigate post-pandemic work environments, the value of soft skills will only increase. Those who invest in developing these skills now will be best positioned to succeed in the long term.
In the end, soft skills are more than just “nice to have”—they are essential to thriving in the modern workplace. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced professional, focusing on communication, networking, and professionalism will set you apart and ensure that your career grows, no matter how competitive the job market gets.
