From Passion to Profession: The Effects of Incorporating Activism Into Your Resume

In today’s increasingly socially conscious world, job applicants are finding it important to show potential employers that they are passionate and committed to fighting for the causes they believe in. A recent study conducted by Skynova revealed that half of Gen Zers would highlight their social activism on a resume. However, nearly half of the employers surveyed (47%) believe activism-related topics aren’t appropriate to include on resumes and could lead to candidate disqualification altogether, depending on the cause.

To dig deeper into the divide between Gen Z job seekers and their potential future employers, we’ll first assess some new ways Gen Zers want to apply for work. Then, we’ll analyze how aligned both parties are on 21st-century job application standards and discuss the social movements Gen Zers want to include on their resumes (and those employers don’t want to see). These findings could help you when crafting your next job application.

Are Traditional Resumes a Thing of the Past?

Gen Zers want out with the old and in with the new when it comes to the job application process. In fact, 80% want to abolish cover letters, and one-third think companies shouldn’t require resumes anymore. Instead, Gen Zers believe portfolios of work, in-person screenings, and LinkedIn profiles represent themselves more appropriately and accurately. Video resumes were also a popular choice as a resume replacement, with over 1 in 4 Gen Zers believing this type of submission allows them to detail their values and beliefs better.

The Impact of Activism on Job Seekers and Employers

Unfortunately, Gen Zers are more excited about touching on activism in job submissions than employers are. While about 46% of young job applicants wanted its inclusion to become a more acceptable practice, 71% of the employers did not. And almost 20% of hiring managers wouldn’t hesitate to turn down applicants who didn’t share similar beliefs. So while most employers want to avoid the subject altogether, some still feel strongly enough about their own values and beliefs to allow them to sway their hiring decisions.

Backing Your Beliefs

Employer opinions aside, Gen Zers are eager to bulk up their resumes with volunteering experience for social justice organizations, fundraising efforts, and participation in awareness campaigns. But they still need to be wary of getting disqualified for a job if they showcase their anti-vaccine views or support for stricter gun legislation, Black Lives Matter, the #MeToo movement, and racial injustice. The study found social activism surrounding these causes was likeliest to remove candidates from the consideration pile. Still, many Gen Zers included their support for these movements in applications, staying true to their beliefs in the face of heightened risk.

A New Era of Job Candidates

There’s certainly a divide between Gen Z job seekers and employers looking to onboard them. While applicants want to highlight their activism, hiring managers aren’t as keen to know about it. In fact, support for certain social causes could disqualify someone’s application altogether. But considering how vocal this young generation is in their support of social justice, employers could one day join their own movement for change, perhaps starting with their job onboarding process.