How Gen Z Can Enter the Job Market as AI Disrupts Entry-Level Jobs
Is AI taking entry-level jobs away from Gen Z? It definitely is disrupting the norm.
Over 30% of workers across generations already worry that AI will take their jobs. And according to Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn's chief economic opportunity officer, they have every reason to be concerned. In a recent New York Times op-ed, Raman discussed the impact of AI on entry-level positions and compared this disruption to the decline of manufacturing in the 1980s. He went so far as to suggest that the corporate ladder, in general, was broken, especially the first rung for entry-level positions.
It's no surprise that so many within Gen Z feel hopeless about their job prospects out of college. According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, 40% of employees are cutting staff and utilizing AI for task automation. And when it comes to the hiring process, 21% of companies are automatically rejecting candidates at all stages without any form of human evaluation or interaction.
Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, isn't the only one making an AI-first company. According to The SignalFire State of Talent Report, large tech companies are cutting back 25% on hiring, 50% less than pre-pandemic levels.
In short: the demand for entry-level positions is nose-diving to the ground at record speed. So, if you're part of the Gen Z generation, how can you stand out? Here are five practical ways you can adapt, succeed, and compete in an AI-driven workforce.
Yes, this technology can feel like a foe, especially after getting your one-hundredth rejection letter. However, you have a superpower and an edge over your older counterparts.
Unlike previous generations, technology, specifically AI, comes naturally to you. You don't have to think about how to log into ChatGPT or look up how to create a prompt. And that's what makes you stand out. Your ease of use regarding technology is why companies want you on their team.
If you can write code with a single command or craft an entire novel using AI, don't hesitate to showcase your talents. Put your skills in front of your ideal employers and let them see what you're capable of. That can comes in the form of presenting your skills on TikTok, showcasing your AI expertise on a podcast, or writing tutorials for a blog.
Artificial intelligence remains, at its core, a tool. So, when companies can see how you master this tool, it sets you apart and makes you stand out above your competition.
As I stated above, AI is just a tool. It's like a plane. You still need a skilled pilot to fly. Otherwise, you have a machine without purpose.
Invest the time to leverage AI as a skill.
Take classes online, get certified by a nearby university, and figure out how to take your AI game to the next level. Because when you're given a trial run to show companies what you can do with this technology, you want to be able to present your skills from a professional position. This means, investing time and money into building an AI background that makes your CV shine.
Finding a job today is no small feat, especially with 69% of HR departments relying on AI for candidate assessments. That's why thinking outside the box and investing in AI education shows potential companies that you're serious about learning the skills you need to build up their business and increase their bottom line.
Over 75% of companies worldwide want to integrate AI into their everyday operations. However, according to Gartner, they penalize potential candidates for using the same technology to pad their resumes and revise their cover letters.
Now, is this fair? Maybe. Maybe not. The point is, it's the reality, and Gen Z needs to figure out how to color within the lines while still displaying their AI prowess. That's why networking and connecting with companies outside their Indeed inbox is really the way to go.
In-person events can absolutely be your golden ticket, and here's why:
It's no secret that AI isn't making it easy to attain entry-level positions, but nothing in life is easy. When employers see that you can face adversity and be unfazed, they'll see your value. After all, how many people can pivot well and see challenges as opportunities? Not many. But, I will say that when I asked Keith Kakadia and Trevor Koverko their thoughts about Gen Z, entry-level jobs, and AI, they were more than optimistic.
Kakadia, founder and CEO of Sociallyin, suggested, 'AI isn't replacing entry-level roles—it's redefining what 'entry-level' even means.'
Koverko, co-founder of Sapien, saw it from that perspective as well. He believed that 'The future of technology lies in AI, but it will not replace people. It will give them the tools they need to push their skills further than ever.'
Is their optimism justified? It's hard to say. However, one thing is sure: adopting a glass-half-full perspective allows you to transform obstacles into stepping stones. When employers witness your ability to be innovative and adaptable, that skill set will make you memorable.
Logan Currie, founder, and COO of Careerspan, uncovered a surprising truth after interviewing over 40 recent hires: nearly all had landed their jobs through relationships rather than traditional resumes. Reflecting on this, Currie remarked, 'The most valuable job search tool today isn't AI. It's the ability to have genuine conversations that showcase your potential.'
Again, this is why stepping outside the box and presenting who you are to your intended audience is so essential. Building strong connections allows you to stand out while demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and operate with empathy to potential employers.
So, instead of sending that fifth follow-up email to an AI bot, it might be time to reach out to your real-life contacts and find new ways of putting your name out there. It's a small world, and you have many people who know others.
If you want to get your dream job, it might be time to think outside the traditional and go straight to the creative. Because in the words of Gigi Robinson, Gen Z founder, author, and CEO of Its Gigi LLC., 'You are more than just your credentials. You're builders, storytellers, and multi-hyphenates. The question is: Will hiring tech evolve to recognize that?"
Hiring tech might be blinded by AI at the moment, but there are still plenty of ways to make your mark and gain that entry-level role. It just takes time, a little bit of creativity, and networking.
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