How to Attract Gen Z Employees in Sales
The Gen Z Sales Professionals
Generation Z, or Gen Z for those fluent. These are people born in 1997 – 2012 that make the rest of us feel really old… This segment is needed by the sales profession to build the next generation of sales talent. But how do we get them to see the sales profession as a compelling option?
Having grown up with the internet, they are often described as “digital natives”. This makes them highly skilled with tech and very comfortable using it for work productivity, including in sales. So, one of the first criteria if you want to know how to attract Gen Z sales employees is to have accessible and up-to-date digital tools.
A second criterion is that, as working professionals, Gen Zs are more values-driven than older cohorts, and need to feel like their work is genuinely having an impact.
A third criterion is that they are also focused on lifelong learning and growth. Gen Zs are highly teachable. They are flexible and ready to fulfill sales goals using all readily available resources.
How to Attract Gen Z Sales Employees
To attract and retain Gen Z sales employees, companies must be able to provide what they need. Not just tools and platforms for work, but also providing things they value as a sales professional.
Here’s a list of what Gen Z talent might look for when assessing potential sales job offers.
Work-life Balance
How to attract Gen Z employees? Step 1: flexibility. 47% of Gen Zs value work-life balance. This has a big influence when choosing potential employers. Gen Zs are in tune not just with their financial needs, but also emotional and mental needs. Because of this, they are more likely to choose companies that provide work-life balance over higher salaries.
Now we all know that a sales job isn’t a nine-to-five gig. It can be a high-pressure, globalised role where targets keep climbing and reps are talking to prospects and customers all over the world. A powerful benefit companies can offer is flexible schedules or options for remote work. Read the pros and cons of different work environments here.
Professional Growth
Employers that include ‘career development’ in their sales role offers are more likely to attract Gen Z sales professionals. Why? Because Gen Z values both personal and professional growth.
They want to see that they have an opportunity to grow in your company, and they won’t be comfortable staying in the same sales position for an extended period of time.
Offer training and professional development, like sales skills development, mentoring, and up-skilling in areas like AI. You could also offer sales leadership development initiatives, as 23% are highly interested in leadership growth. The question “How to attract Gen Z employees in sales?” might mean creating a workplace where everyone can see real growth—professionally, personally, and socially.
Making a Real Difference
How to attract Gen Z employees in sales? Step #2: Character. If you want to hire Gen Z sales professionals, make sure your sales candidate profile has an appropriate reflection of their character and values. For example, Gen Z is a vocal generation. They want social change, and many are taking steps to achieve it. Seeing their work provide real value, not just for the company and clients, but also for the community, will offer greater self-fulfillment.
Gen Z sales professionals won’t be attracted to selling a product they can’t see real value in for their customers or be interested in themselves. During the sales recruitment process, use case studies and real examples to articulate how your solution helps customers.
Principal mentioned that 64% of Gen Zs see DEI as a key variable in choosing a company to work in. 74% of Gen Zs would also like to work in a company with sustainable practices and environmental actions. Highlight your company’s social and environmental responsibility initiatives to get this across.
Competitive Compensation
According to Principal, 70% of Gen Zs face financial struggles. And despite today’s rough economy, Gen Z professionals still want their salary to be able to support independent living and the opportunity to make a future for themselves.
Make sure your sales role employment offer has a competitive compensation package and employment benefits. The sales commission component needs to be reasonably easy to grasp and perceived as achievable. Young companies who are still lean, may need to focus more on accelerated career development as a mechanism for Gen Z employees to grow their earning power.
The Bottomline
Overall, the answer to ‘how to attract Gen Z employees in sales is by being a dynamic, somewhat progressive place to work. This would include building and maintaining a healthy working environment, being values-driven, fostering authentic communication and transparency, and promoting a culture of professional and personal growth.
Find Your Next Gen Z Sales Professionals
Want to hire your next Gen Z sales professionals? Salient is a leading tech and sales recruitment agency across APAC and Japan. Our expertise is finding top sales talent for tech companies, assisting them in scaling their business. Get in touch for your next sales hiring initiative.
