A majority of hiring managers, 91%, expressed reservations about hiring Gen Z employees for customer-facing positions, according to a survey released Nov. 8 by ResumeTemplates.com.

Three in 10 hiring managers surveyed view Gen Zers as lacking competence in customer-facing interactions, with 27% considering them as not very competent and 3% as not competent at all.

Top concerns among hiring managers when hiring Gen Zers for customer service and client-facing roles include:

• Unprofessional tone, 41%
• Poor attention to detail, 40%
• Reluctance to go above and beyond, 39%
• Lack of enthusiasm, 38%
• Handling conflict, 35%
• Misunderstandings due to a casual communication style, 35%
• Tardiness, 34%
• Reluctance to take responsibility for mistakes, 34%

“Gen Zers are still in the early stages of their careers and may need additional guidance on professionalism,” Julia Toothacre, chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, said in a press release. “With the right training and feedback, many of these challenges can be addressed. Companies have an opportunity to bridge this gap and foster professional growth for young employees, particularly in customer-facing roles where effective communication and attention to detail are crucial.”

The survey also found that 74% of hiring managers believe Gen Z employees require extra customer service training compared to older generations. Toothacre noted this may be due to the unique circumstances that have shaped Gen Z.

“But, with guidance, they’ll adapt — just as those before them did,” she said.

The survey includes responses from 1,000 US hiring managers aged 25 or older with a household income of at least $75,000, an education level above high school and employment at companies with more than 10 employees. It was conducted on Oct. 23.