What you probably already know: Gen Z is leaning on their parents more than previous generations did as they enter an uncertain, rapidly changing workforce under pressure to carve out early-career success. The emergence of “career co-pilots” — parents who take an active role in their adult child’s early career — is a response to rising labor market challenges, according to a new report from resume platform Zety. And young professionals aren’t just receiving advice: They’re often being joined by Mom or Dad on job interviews.
Why it matters: Zety’s data shows just how far career co-piloting goes. Of the 1,001 Gen Z workers polled for the report, 67% said they regularly receive career advice from their parents and 44% said their parents have helped write or edit their resume/CV. One in five Gen Z workers had a parent contact a recruiter or employer on their behalf, 20% had a parent show up to a job interview (in person or virtually) and of the 28% who received help with pay or benefits negotiations, 10% had a parent negotiate directly with an employer. These aren’t fringe cases — they reflect a generation that came of age during economic instability, a pandemic and a job market that rewards polish and confidence that many young adults haven’t had the chance to develop yet.
What it means: Career co-pilots can help Gen Zers avoid common early-career mistakes and be better self-advocates, but over-involvement can lead an employer to view a candidate as unprepared, unprofessional and lacking critical decision-making skills. Many parents are effectively serving as parallel career infrastructure, often rivaling managers in influence (32% cite their parents as the main influence on career decisions, 32% cite their boss and 34% say both have equal sway). Parental involvement early in the career process also suggests that many Gen Z workers approach job hunting as a collaborative process rather than an independent milestone, which could delay the moment when young workers develop independent professional instincts. Still, more than half of Gen Z workers said they’d be embarrassed or upset if a parent contacted their boss without permission — they want the support, but they also still want autonomy.
What happens next: The rise in parents attending job interviews means employers will need to adapt by setting clear expectations around direct communication with candidates and professional boundaries earlier in the hiring process. Educators also need to ensure soft skills such as negotiation and self-advocacy are in place before students reach the job market. Parents who hover, whether due to expectations of perfectionism (as a measure of their own success), the desire to protect their child from repeating their mistakes, or something else, must also recognize the fine line between helping and hindering. Past studies show that helicopter parenting can lead to a host of behavioral problems in young adults. Activities like mock interviews can help empower young adults and equip them with the right tools. Ultimately, Gen Zers must decide when career co-piloting transitions to solo flight.
