Gen Z candidates are gaining business skills through clothing resale platforms like Depop that hiring managers increasingly value over traditional credentials [1].

This shift suggests a changing definition of professional experience in the U.S. labor market. As digital entrepreneurship becomes more accessible, the ability to manage a micro-business is emerging as a competitive advantage for young job seekers.

Gen Z individuals said selling their secondhand items online is teaching them more about business than college [2]. These platforms allow users to engage in real-world commercial activities, including digital marketing, sales strategy, and customer service management.

According to research, 85% of hiring managers agree that these skills are valuable [1]. The data indicates that the practical application of business principles in a resale environment is often viewed as more impressive than a standard retail job or a corporate internship [2].

"Running a resale account impresses them more than an internship or a retail job," hiring managers said [2]. This preference reflects a demand for candidates who possess self-starting capabilities and a direct understanding of profit and loss.

By managing their own storefronts, Gen Z sellers handle the entire supply chain from sourcing, pricing, shipping, and dispute resolution. These tasks mirror the core functions of small business operations—experience that is often missing from traditional academic curricula.

“"85% of hiring managers agree."”

The growing recognition of 'side-hustle' entrepreneurship as valid professional experience signals a pivot toward skills-based hiring. As the barrier to entry for e-commerce drops, hiring managers are prioritizing demonstrated competence in digital commerce and customer acquisition over the prestige of traditional internships or degrees.