The evolving trend of “career catfishing” or “ghosting” is reshaping the recruitment landscape, particularly among Generation Z (Gen Z). This phenomenon, where job candidates fail to show up for their first day or any subsequent days without explanation, is becoming increasingly prevalent. The implications of this trend are significant, affecting hiring practices and workplace dynamics.
The Rise of Career Catfishing
Increasing Prevalence Among Gen Z
According to a report by the UK firm CVGenius, 34% of Gen Z workers do not show up for their job on the first day or at any time thereafter, providing no explanation. This behavior, initially attributed to younger individuals, is now appearing in older workforce segments, indicating a broader pattern that may soon become more widespread. Yakov Filippenko, CEO and founder of Intch, a platform that links part-time workers to flexible roles, identifies this trend as part of a more chaotic recruitment scenario than ever before. He observes that the current work attitudes of Gen Z starkly contrast with previous generations, driven largely by the influence of social media. Filippenko suggests that work itself has become a cultural meme, with Gen Z viewing and treating it as such, leading to a chaotic and disruptive recruitment environment.
Remote Work Preferences
The issue of returning to physical offices remains contentious, as workplaces become battlegrounds of intergenerational conflict. While some employers push for a return to in-office work, younger workers often prefer remote work, even at the cost of career advancement or higher pay. This preference is supported by the CVGenius survey findings, where 53% of younger workers favor remote work over in-office work. Younger workers’ strong preference for remote work is reshaping traditional workplace norms and expectations, prompting employers to reconsider their stance on flexible working arrangements and their implications for productivity and collaboration.
Factors Contributing to Career Catfishing
Frustrations with Recruitment Practices
The concept of career catfishing can also be seen as a response to perceived inadequacies in recruitment practices. CVGenius researchers relate this trend to the frustrating job-hunting process, characterized by lengthy application submissions, numerous interview rounds, and delays from hiring managers. This taxing process may lead younger individuals to assert their power through career catfishing, counterattacking what they see as demoralizing recruitment methods. When job seekers invest considerable time and effort in the application process without receiving timely responses or feedback, it cultivates a sense of disillusionment that can manifest as career catfishing, a form of silent protest against the current system.
Reciprocal Behavior from Employers
A report by Resume Genius indicates that many hiring managers also ghost candidates during the application process, reflecting a reciprocal behavior among job seekers and employers. This mutual ghosting exacerbates the frustrations of job seekers, contributing to the rise of career catfishing. The phenomenon of ghosting by employers fosters a lack of trust and promotes a cycle of non-commitment from both sides. As a result, job seekers may mirror this behavior by failing to show up for work, further perpetuating the cycle of career catfishing.
The Competitive Job Market
Challenges for Gen Z
The competitive job market further exacerbates the situation. According to Chloe Berger in Fortune, Gen Z faces arduous challenges in securing entry-level roles. The Class of 2025, for instance, is predicted to apply to more jobs than the preceding year’s graduates, having already submitted 24% more job applications during the past summer. Moreover, Handshake’s data reveals that 2024 US graduates applied to 64% more jobs than the previous cohort, with a simultaneous decline in job listings from 2023, leading to heightened competition. The intense competition for entry-level positions forces job seekers to adopt desperate measures, which include resorting to career catfishing. This behavior reflects the pressures of the job market on Gen Z.
Impact of Student Loan Debts
The burden of student loan debts also factors into the unwillingness of Gen Z candidates to show unfaltering gratitude for job offers they receive. This financial pressure influences their job-seeking behavior and contributes to the trend of career catfishing. The mounting pressure to repay student loans promptly impels younger workers to prioritize financial stability over corporate loyalty, leading to a diminished sense of obligation towards prospective employers. Consequently, when job offers do not align with their financial goals or personal circumstances, Gen Z candidates may choose not to honor their commitments, casting a spotlight on the pervasive issue of career catfishing.
Employer Perspectives and Responses
Doubts About Readiness of Entry-Level Candidates
Executives express doubts about the readiness of entry-level candidates. A report from technology education provider General Assembly reveals that one in four executives would not hire today’s entry-level candidates, with only 12% of executives believing in the preparedness of entry-level workers in the US. Jourdan Hathaway, General Assembly’s chief business officer, underscores the necessity for companies to reevaluate how they source, train, and onboard employees, noting that the entry-level employee pipeline is indeed broken. The lack of confidence in entry-level candidates’ readiness prompts employers to scrutinize their recruitment practices, striving to develop more effective training programs that equip new hires with the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace.
Need for Rethinking Recruitment Strategies
The phenomenon of career catfishing is not exclusive to Gen Z, as research indicates that 24% of millennials, aged 28 to 43, have also engaged in similar behavior, possibly prioritizing personal needs over corporate culture demands. With AI becoming more prevalent in screening candidates and altering work processes, there is a growing perception of the recruitment process lacking human warmth. Consequently, this shift may contribute to the increasing instances of ghosting. To address these challenges, employers must embrace innovative recruitment strategies that incorporate technological advancements while retaining a human touch to attract and retain top talent.
Bridging the Generational Divide
Adapting to New Workplace Norms
Despite the disruptions caused by career catfishing, young individuals still require incomes and would need to find a way to adapt to the working environment. As Yakov Filippenko aptly states, unless there is a revolutionary change brought by advanced AI, such as Generative AI (GenAI), younger workers and their employers will have to find common ground eventually. Building an inclusive workplace necessitates a collaborative approach, where employers acknowledge and adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of the younger workforce. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, organizations can create an environment where both employers and employees thrive, mitigating the impact of career catfishing.
Addressing Cultural Shifts
The rising trend of “career catfishing” or “ghosting” is shaking up the recruitment process, especially among Generation Z (Gen Z). This phenomenon, where job candidates fail to show up for their first day of work without any explanation and disappear from the hiring process entirely, is growing more common.
The impact of this trend is noteworthy, significantly influencing hiring practices and altering workplace dynamics. Employers are often left in a difficult position, having invested time and resources into training and onboarding new hires, only to find themselves back at square one. This creates added pressure on HR departments to fill positions quickly and fosters uncertainty within teams expecting new colleagues.
Additionally, this trend speaks to a larger issue of commitment and communication within the younger workforce. While some argue that it signals a shift in job market power dynamics, with candidates feeling emboldened to walk away from offers, others believe it highlights a lack of professionalism and reliability that could have long-term effects on careers and company cultures.