Demographics constantly shift. Just consider the rising chorus of “OK Boomer,” a meme-phrase which recently floated into the internet mainstream, that hints at the very real generational differences that arise depending on when teenagers become adults. The oldest of Generation Z, born roughly between 1996 and 2015, are just turning 24, which means they are likely the newest wave of applicants knocking on your door. However, there are new strategies to consider if you’re seeking to hire Gen Z candidates.

Experts are clamoring to define this newest generation and have settled on some different terms that are useful to know. On the one hand, Gen Zers are likely risk-averse and practical when it comes to employment and money after having witnessed their millennial siblings and Gen X parents endure a tough job market. And while they are definitely tech-savvy, they also prioritize authentic, face-to-face interactions more than other generations.

Gen Z applicants are also entering a very different job market than their predecessors. Whereas millennial graduates were wrought with anxiety about whether they could even land one job after college, these latest grads are more likely to be evaluating several offers from a handful of companies thanks to an unemployment rate that is at a 50-year low. To put it another way: It’s a buyers’ market.

Recent surveys point to just how different Gen Z really is: In one such survey, 26% of Gen Z candidates said they would not accept a job offer if they thought the company’s hiring process lacked technology while only 15% of millennials and 13% of Gen X reported the same. What’s more, 46% of Gen Z candidates have applied for a full-time job or internship on a mobile device. Compared that to 38% of employed millennials and 26% of Gen X that have applied that way.

Lastly, considering 54% of Gen Z won’t complete a job application if a company’s recruiting methods are outdated, it’s high time those in the hospitality industry make sure their own recruiting and hiring process makes the most of the power of mobile technology. Here are apps that can help:

Harri Hire: Your Personal HR Assistant

More than ever, applicants will expect a seamless digital experience. An app like Harri Hire can help create a smooth mobile experience for both the candidate and the recruiting manager. After all, the very nature of the hospitality industry is that personnel are not likely sitting at a computer all day – they’re out face-timing with guests or busy providing guest services. 

With Harri Hire, managers can discover top talent, communicate with applicants, keep track of interviews – all from the mobile device in their pocket while they’re on the go. Firstly, hiring managers can use the app to quickly post a job opening with a choice of what listing platform to use and for how long. Then they can search the app’s hospitality network for the type of talent their business needs and invite candidates to apply to the open positions. 

Next, managers can use Harri Hire to communicate with applicants using SMS (and it’s worth noting that text is the preferred communication platform of Gen Z). With the app’s interview assistant, managers can then schedule, conduct and keep track of interviews, again all from their mobile device. 

Harri Hire also enables managers to progress candidates through the recruitment and onboarding process seamlessly by enabling the sending and receiving of required onboarding documents on the app platform. 

While managers at any establishment will find Harri Hire streamlines what can be a mentally taxing and time-consuming process, those working with large-scale operators with multiple venues will find it immensely helpful to have a consistent, scalable and mobile process in place. It’s like having a HR personal assistant right in your pocket.

Swipe Right With Job Seeker App

Just as Harri Hire allows managers to easily reach and onboard Gen Z applicants, Harri’s Job Seeker apps assists candidates with finding the best opportunity. They simply upload a job seeker profile with the option to include videos or photos to create a media-rich profile that will stand out amongst outdated resumes. Such a personalized profile will help businesses understand who candidates are and how they can contribute to their company.

With the profile created, the app will notify job seekers about tailored job openings nearby based on their information. Applicants can either swipe right to save the job to their saved shortlist or swipe left to pass on the opportunity. Think of Job Seeker as the matchmaker. 

Staying connected and responsive as applicants live their lives means they won’t miss out on any opportunities if they’re not anchored to their computers. Throughout their job search, Gen Z applicants can easily search and save jobs from the convenience of their smartphone and they can also easily apply, interview, accept and onboard with just a few screen taps.