Hacking Hiring: Employer Branding and the Gen Z Effect concluded with a deep dive into one of the most pressing challenges for today’s employers: How to engage and attract Gen Z talent? In our session, “Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement,” expert panelists tackled this question head-on, sharing invaluable insights into the digital-first generation’s motivations, behaviors, and expectations from the workplace.

Our experts emphasized the importance of meeting Gen Z where they are (hint: it’s not just TikTok and Instagram!), leveraging employee-generated content, meaningful learning opportunities, and knowing how to handle a viral moment. But above all, Gen Z pays attention to companies that lead with authenticity. To effectively engage this generation, companies need to lean into their unique brand identity, foster genuine employee advocacy, and create meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

Quote of the Day

Joel Podolny, CEO and Co-Founder of Honor Education, summed up the importance of learning and development in fostering employee engagement:

“I think oftentimes people want to treat L&D like it’s an inoculation—like, we’ll put them into a course, we’ll give them a shot, and then we’ll track those who got the shot to see how many are doing better two years later. And I think organizations are complex; that’s a hard thing to measure. But people’s excitement, their enthusiasm, their engagement, their comprehension, their sense of belonging—how strong of a sense of belonging they have—those are all things we can measure, and all things that we know are related to people’s commitment to the company and, ultimately, their longevity.”

Meet the Speakers

• Jonathan Zila – EVP of Job Advertising and Analytics Programs, Recruitics
• Janelle Gray – Co-Founder & CMO, Isle of Monday
• Amy J. Keely, MBA, M.Ed., Ph.D. ABD – Professor, Lansing Community College
• Jillian O’Malior – Founder, Jillian Does Branding
• Joel Podolny – CEO & Co-Founder, Honor Education
• Eric Elwer – CEO, SteppingStone
• Bria P. McCray, MBA, SPHR – Founder & Global HR Leader, HRBP Consulting

Watch the Full Discussion Here

Key Takeaways

1. Meet Gen Z Where They Are (Hint: It’s Not Just TikTok!)

While social media is a dominant force in Gen Z’s digital world, it’s not just about TikTok and Instagram. This generation is actively engaging in authentic conversations on platforms like Reddit and Discord. To capture their attention, brands need to build a presence where real discussions are happening, not just rely on polished social campaigns.

2. Answer the Questions That Matter

Gen Z candidates are asking two fundamental questions when considering a role:

• Can I be successful in this role?
• Will I enjoy working here?

Clarity, confidence, and personalization are essential in employer branding and recruitment content. Companies that provide transparent job descriptions, showcase real employee experiences, and personalize the hiring process will win over Gen Z talent.

3. Leverage Employee-Generated Content

Traditional corporate messaging doesn’t resonate with Gen Z. Instead, they trust their peers over executives. Encouraging employees to share their experiences—whether through vlogs, testimonials, or casual behind-the-scenes content—adds credibility and relatability to your brand.

4. Gen Z’s Entrepreneurial Mindset

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z isn’t just looking for a job—they’re often looking to build something of their own. Employers are not just competing with other companies but also with candidates’ personal aspirations. To attract and retain Gen Z, companies should align their opportunities with entrepreneurial growth, whether through side projects, innovation incubators, or internal career mobility.

5. Find Your Brand’s Superpower

Gen Z has an innate ability to detect inauthenticity. Companies that embrace their unique strengths and values—rather than trying to be everything to everyone—will stand out. The key is to showcase what makes your organization truly special and build engagement around that identity.

Additional Resources

• Talivity Shortlist: Need an employer brand agency? Get a free personalized shortlist of top HR solutions tailored to your needs. Take the survey to receive customized recommendations.
• L&D Insights: Only 25% of our attendees reported having a formal Learning & Development platform. Explore solutions on the Talivity Marketplace to invest in your team’s growth.
• Social Media Advertising: Find the right social media tools to reach next-gen talent on the Talivity Marketplace.
• How to Use TikTok for Talent Acquisition: Get best practices, influencer collaboration tips, and key recruitment campaign metrics in our exclusive guide.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to Recruitics, Jamyr, and SteppingStone for supporting Hacking Hiring: Employer Branding and the Gen Z Effect and helping us bring these essential conversations to life.

Stay Connected with Talivity

With over 1,800 HR tech solutions and access to fractional experts, Talivity is your partner in employer branding, talent acquisition, and workforce strategy. Book a discovery call today to find the right solutions for your hiring needs.

Lauren Miley

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Lauren is a content marketer with a passion for bringing brands to life through storytelling and community building. As the Community Marketing Manager at Talivity, she specializes in social media, event marketing, and thought leadership content, helping HR and talent acquisition professionals stay informed and inspired.