For many Gen Z job seekers who grew up during the Trump administration, their most valuable skills and experiences often stemmed from their involvement in campus political activism. While this work was undoubtedly impactful and enriching, recent college graduates are now choosing to leave any potentially divisive experiences off their résumés.
A survey conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics in the spring of 2021 revealed that 36% of adults aged 18 to 29 identified as politically active, a significant increase from 24% in 2009. During the 2020 elections, the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University found that 18% of young individuals aged 18 to 24 volunteered for a political campaign — a 13% increase from 2016. Additionally, an American National Election Studies survey indicated that 19% of 18 to 24-year-olds participated in protests in 2020, compared to just 7% in 2016.
However, as reported in a recent article by the Washington Post, many recent graduates are hesitant to showcase their on-campus political activism, even at the expense of appearing less qualified. Some are even crafting two versions of their résumés: one that is “cleaned up” for public viewing, devoid of any contentious activities, and a private version that includes their full political background for applications within like-minded organizations. While I personally recommend maintaining a comprehensive CV and tailoring it for specific roles, I understand the reasoning behind this approach.
Why Are Young Professionals Downplaying Their Political Activism?
So, why are young professionals opting to downplay their political activism? Despite Gen Z being more politically engaged than previous generations, they are acutely aware of the potential pitfalls in the job market.
Unconscious biases abound during the job search process, and many individuals face hurdles based on their name, demographic background, and even perceived gaps in work history. Parents, particularly mothers, often feel the need to gloss over time spent in caregiving roles, while older candidates might downplay their extensive experience to avoid being perceived as “overqualified.” In this competitive labor market, where there are currently around 10 million open positions, Gen Z is wise to be cautious.
The reality is that political identity is not a protected category in most hiring scenarios. Edgar Ndjatou, executive director of Workplace Fairness, pointed out that many organizations can make hiring decisions based on a candidate’s social and political involvement. Furthermore, hiring patterns often reflect a tendency for individuals to favor candidates who share their beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This unconscious bias can significantly impact hiring decisions, and Gen Z applicants are understandably wary that their activism may lead to stereotypes that could hinder their job prospects.
If this seems like a compromise of their values, so be it. In today’s world, survival often takes precedence, and many young people are navigating these challenges as best they can.
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Summary
As Gen Z graduates enter the job market, many are choosing to omit their campus political activism from their résumés to avoid potential bias. This trend reflects a broader concern about how political affiliation may impact hiring decisions, leading young professionals to craft sanitized versions of their work history. Despite being more politically active than previous generations, the desire to secure employment often takes precedence over showcasing activism.