Gen Z job seekers face obstacles in West Tennessee market

JACKSON, Tenn. — Gen Z in West Tennessee is trying to get a foothold in the job market, but some young adults face obstacles.

The job market changes often and future graduates, high schoolers and postgraduates all have worries. Those can range from rising or changing costs, accessibility to careers with unique degrees, and confidence.

Kyle Spurgeon, CEO and president of the Greater Jackson Chamber, said Jackson offers diverse employment opportunities.

“When you look at Jackson, one of the things that make this such a great place to seek employment opportunities, is the different types of opportunities that exist, it could be in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, tourism,” Spurgeon said.

Maddie Flatt, a student at Jackson State Community College who is completing a program where she receives college credit toward her degree while in high school, shared advice for peers worried about job interviews.

“Well obviously you need to dress professionally, I feel like people in job interviews really look at how your cleanliness, and if you show up on time to the interview, and how you present yourself in the interview so you should present yourself how you want them to see you,” Flatt said.

Building a work history, even part time, is important. Job seekers struggling to get hired should make sure contact information is correct and follow up within 24 hours.

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