Episode #26
Gen Z, The Workforce & The Human Skills That Get You Hired
What if the biggest obstacle facing Gen Z at work isn't their degree, their GPA, or the economy — but the gap between what they think employers want and what actually gets someone hired? In this episode of Pivot Point: Strategy for Change , Nik Michael revisits a candid conversation with veteran recruiters Kim Steiner and Amy Krause of Fource Recruiting, who've spent 20+ years on the hiring side of the table. Their takeaway: the credential opens the door — human skills decide what happens once you walk through it. Kim and Amy break down what employers really see in interviews with young candidates, and why preparation, humility, curiosity, and the ability to connect with another human being often outweigh a "perfect" resume. Inside this episode: Why being prepared beats trying to look impressive The tell of reading answers off a second screen Confident vs. humble — the balance employers are hunting for Does your college major actually decide your career? Career exploration vs. job hopping — where's the line? How parents can unintentionally enable instead of support COVID and social media's lasting impact on work expectations Why demanding remote work/balance before proving yourself can backfire LinkedIn as more than a resume — and why your words matter Where AI helps a job search — and where it makes you sound less like you Why recruiters can spot an answer that isn't really you Why human connection still wins in an AI-driven hiring process For parents, an uncomfortable question: are you supporting your kid's growth — or managing your own anxiety about their future? For Gen Z: you don't need your whole career figured out, and you don't need to pretend to be someone else. You do need to show up, stay curious, and let people see who you actually are — because that's the one thing algorithms can't manufacture. I leave you with the one question I like to ask at the end of every episode — think about it — what is your pivot point? What's your pivot point?
