Gen Z – those born between 1997 to 2012 – has never known a world without the internet or cellphones, and their education and early careers have been disrupted by a global pandemic that kept them at home, learning and working over a screen, Indeed’s LaFawn Davis wrote recently in Fast Company.
“It’s no wonder that their perspective on work is different than ours—and it’s time for us to pay attention,” wrote Davis, the employment website’s Chief People & Sustainability Officer.
The key, she says, is moving to a skills-first hiring model for Gen Zers (including those that start their careers in retail settings).
“That requires a major cultural shift, but one that unlocks productivity, creativity and innovation,” wrote Davis. “Indeed’s research shows hiring managers who embrace this approach find it twice as easy to find qualified candidates. With 52% of U.S. job postings now dropping formal education requirements, the shift is already underway. By removing these barriers that screen out over 70 million skilled workers, companies can tap into a vastly larger talent pool.”
For example, she says, if you’re hiring a social media manager, why require a marketing degree when there are Gen Z creators who have built viral brands from scratch? “Evaluate candidates based on real-world expertise.”
Another important step: Hire for the future, not the past.
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“Gen Z expects a smarter, fairer approach to hiring—one that values what they bring to the table,” wrote Davis. “Companies that get this will thrive. Those that don’t? They’ll watch top talent walk away. Focusing on skills over degrees and clear career progression paths creates more engaged employees, better cultures and stronger business outcomes.”
Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
