Survey of 2,074 Generation Z Job Seekers
Only 10% of Generation Z Applicants Are Preparing for Public Sector Jobs
It has been found that Generation Z job seekers (born in the mid-1990s to early 2000s) tend to prefer private companies over public sector jobs, even when the salary is the same. The main reasons cited for avoiding public sector jobs include lower salaries, limited growth potential, and a rigid organizational culture.
Job seekers visiting the 2025 Mid-sized Company Job Fair held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are looking at the recruitment notice board. Photo by Jo Yongjun
On May 2, recruitment platform Jinhaksa Catch surveyed 2,074 Generation Z job seekers, asking which they would choose if both a private company and a public sector job offered a monthly salary of 3 million won. The results showed that 53% chose "private company," while 47% chose "public sector job."
When asked about their "willingness to prepare for a public sector job," 69% of respondents said they had "no intention to prepare." Notably, only 10% said they were "currently preparing for a public sector exam." The percentage of those who said "not now, but I intend to prepare in the future" was 16%. Including those who "prepared in the past but no longer have the intention" (5%), the proportion of respondents not seriously considering a public sector career reached 74%.
The most common reason Generation Z does not aspire to public sector jobs was "low salary" (42%). This was followed by "not a good fit for my personality" (20%) and "limited growth potential" (10%). Other reasons included a rigid organizational culture (9%), long exam preparation periods (7%), uncertainty of passing the exam (6%), and concerns about career stagnation (4%).
On the other hand, the overwhelming reason for wanting a public sector job was "job security" (49%). This was followed by "guaranteed retirement age" (17%) and "work-life balance" (12%). Other reasons included welfare benefits (7%), good fit for personality (7%), less performance competition (3%), salary (2%), and recommendations from acquaintances (2%).
Expectations for public sector salaries also tended to be higher than current levels. While the current monthly salary for level 9 public sector employees is 2.69 million won, many respondents said they would consider applying only if the salary was "3 million won" (26%) or "over 5 million won" (25%). This was followed by "3.5 million won" (22%), "4 million won" (21%), and "4.5 million won" (8%).
Kim Junghyun, head of Jinhaksa Catch, said, "Unlike previous generations, Generation Z values salary and career development more than simple stability," adding, "In response to this trend, the public sector is also attempting to reorganize, such as by increasing public sector salaries."
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