For many Gen Z job hunters who grew up during the Trump years, their valuable skills and experiences often stemmed from political activism on campus. While this work was likely impactful and transformative, many recent grads are choosing to leave potentially divisive activities off their résumés.
A spring 2021 poll by the Harvard Institute of Politics revealed that 36% of adults aged 18 to 29 identified as politically active, a notable increase from 24% in 2009. The 2020 elections saw 18% of young people aged 18 to 24 volunteering for political campaigns, which is a significant jump from 5% in 2016. Furthermore, the American National Election Studies reported that 19% of 18 to 24-year-olds participated in protests in 2020, compared to just 7% in 2016.
Yet, in a recent Washington Post article, many fresh graduates are hesitant to showcase their campus political activism, even if it means appearing less experienced. Some have developed two versions of their résumés: one that is “cleaned up” to avoid any potentially controversial content and a private one that includes all their experiences for jobs within their political circles. While it’s generally a good idea to have a comprehensive CV and tailor it for specific roles, this dual approach is becoming increasingly common.
Why Are Young Individuals Omitting Their Activism?
The reality is that even with their increased political engagement, Gen Z is wary of how their activism might be perceived in the job market. Unconscious biases can pose significant hurdles during the hiring process, especially if applicants don’t have connections in the industry. Racial profiling, minimization of work experiences like caregiving or volunteering, and the tendency for employers to hire people who mirror their own beliefs all contribute to this anxiety.
Despite the current job market boasting around 10 million positions, Gen Z’s caution is understandable. Political identity isn’t a protected class in many places, meaning organizations can make hiring decisions based on applicants’ social and political affiliations. Edgar Ndjatou of Workplace Fairness pointed out that this makes it important for potential hires to navigate their backgrounds carefully.
Ultimately, many Gen Z applicants feel that they may have to compromise their beliefs to secure employment. It might seem like selling out, but for many, it’s about survival in a competitive job landscape.
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In summary, Gen Z job seekers are increasingly omitting their campus political activism from their résumés out of concern for potential biases in the hiring process. Despite being more politically engaged than previous generations, they are navigating a complex job market where political identity can impact employment opportunities.
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