What news leaders should keep in mind when hiring Gen Z journalists

Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is increasingly entering the workforce. The oldest in the cohort are already hosting major news podcasts and curating news for millions of followers on social platforms. 

There are compelling reasons for news leaders to hire Gen Z journalists. What should they consider when getting them on board?

Unique Gen Z traits 

The World Economic Forum highlights the unique set of challenges that recruiters face while hiring Generation Z workers.

For starters, this generation no longer takes salary and pension benefits as key motivators to do their job. They prefer flexibility, mental well-being and work-life balance the more important motivators to get more job satisfaction.

Diana Filimon, President of the Forum Apulum Association and the Coordinator at MediaGen, says in a conversation with The Fix, “Millennials, at least in Romania, are hungry for social and financial growth. No matter the amount of work required, this generation would do it, just to reach a higher level. For many Gen Z, life starts from a far better place now, with fewer fears of de-growth and less pressure to upgrade their financial status. This translates into a different approach to work and to life in general, which is healthier long term, but it makes their career progress a little bit slower.”

Gen Z also come with their own unique advantages. Filimon says that their most valuable skill is their ability to understand the younger demographic, especially their use of social media. A survey conducted by the European Parliament states the growing influence social media has on news consumption, with 37% of consumption coming from social media last year.

The second advantage, according to Filimon, is their ability to be mobile. “Gen Z journalists are highly mobile and resourceful. With just a smartphone, they can report and cover events and adapt it to what the online platforms require.” 

What to look for in Gen Z journalists?

• Beyond the degree

Many Gen Z journalists are straight out of college or university. Yet while hiring them Filimon suggests to not put much emphasis on the degree. “Most of them don’t have proper training from schools. Their skills are self-obtained because they are always one step ahead technology-wise compared to their teachers.”

Instead, look for their ability to do journalism and the honesty with which they work on projects. Gen Z audience expects authenticity, even from the journalists. Hence, look for authenticity, skill and truthfulness in your recruitees. 

• An ability to do more

Dr. Jane Singer, Professor Emerita of Journalism Innovation at City, University of London, acknowledges that many of her journalism students know the basic building blocks of this profession. Yet the most important abilities are sometimes missing – the abilities to ideate and execute, skills which cannot be taught. 

She suggests, “Look for their ability to innovate. In the sense of being able to see what a story might be, how to pursue it and different ways to execute it.” This is also what the Gen Z audience wants.

• Understand the working style

Singer mentions that while hiring Gen Z journalists, the recruiter should acknowledge the freedom and flexibility they can allow their recruitee. “Many legacy media outlets wouldn’t want a young journalist to come and do things differently. Whereas in other organisations, the change of perspective would be gladly welcomed.”

Note the requirements of your media organisation and then search for those qualities in the young journalist. Filimon mentions that compared to the previous generation, Gen Z might work at a slower pace. This is because they are prioritising their mental health and are avoiding the pitfall of burnout.

“A young person who delivers every day is far more valuable than a person who is brilliant two days a week and then disappears the next three. Look for constant work and reliability, decent people who are willing to learn and grow”, says Filimon.

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