Warning Signs Your Potential Employer May Not Understand Your Needs as A Younger Jobseeker

Every generation has its own way of looking at the world. People’s outlooks tend to change in step with the time in which they grew up. If you’re in your 20s, you are either part of the Gen Z generation, or you are a Millennial. If your potential employer falls into one of these categories, you should be somewhat on the same wavelength. But what if you are interviewing with a Gen Xer or a Baby Boomer? Are they going to know what you need to feel fulfilled in your job? Here are 4 warning signs your potential employer might not understand your needs.

1. They act like they are doing you a favor

Just because you do not have as much experience as the person who is interviewing you, does not mean you should be treated in a condescending manner. You know your worth. You know that what you bring to the table is valuable. If you are potential employer does not respect you, they will probably never look at you as an equal no matter how long you work for the company.

If you are getting that kind of vibe, it is up to you to turn the tables. Pause the questions about what you can do for the company and start asking about what the company can do for you. This will remind the interviewer that the hiring process is a two-way street.

2. They do not value your education

Studies have shown younger generations are more likely to have a college degree than older generations. This could mean your potential employer might not be impressed with the work you have put in. And it is possible they may feel a bit intimidated by it.

If you are describing how your education has helped you learn and grow, and the response is something like, “eh, that does not matter. Real world experience is all that really counts,” this could definitely be a red flag. Real world experience does matter, but what you learned in school has value too—and undervaluing your education could mean they will try to pay you less than you deserve.

3. They show tendencies toward micromanagement

When you are in your 20s, you are hungry for learning and exploration. You want to create and innovate. The last thing you need is someone constantly looking over your shoulder, telling you exactly how they want things done. If you are getting a sense that micromanagement is the company philosophy, you may not be in the right place.

One warning sign that your employer-to-be is a micromanager is that they don’t seem able to look at the big picture. Everything they talk about in the interview relates to minute details. Another red flag is if they gripe about the incompetence of their current or past employees, complaining that they did not know how to follow orders. You do not want them talking about you that way someday, so if micromanagement is not your thing, you might want to cut and run.

4. They do not believe in showing appreciation

Millennials and Gen Zs tend to thrive on recognition and appreciation. If they land a big client, at the very least, they want a “good job!” and a pat on the back. If their accomplishments are ignored, their engagement is likely to wane. If you are telling the hiring manager how you doubled your previous employer’s profits with the new inventory system you designed, and they do not show any interest or excitement, chances are, if you work for this company, kudos are not going to be a top priority. So, keep that in mind before you accept the position.

Not everyone in their 20s has the same needs and desires. However, there are certain commonalities among every generation. If you see signs of disconnect between your needs and those of your potential employer, take them seriously. Brushing them off as inconsequential when they are really red flags is going to cause regret down the line. Pay close attention and make your decisions accordingly.