Let’s be real—job hunting in 2025 can feel like a full-time gig with none of the perks. If you’ve ever ghosted an employer mid-process, you’re not alone. In fact, 90% of Gen Z job seekers have done it too—and honestly, who can blame them?
So what’s really going on? And more importantly, how do we fix it? This post breaks down why Gen Z is over outdated hiring practices and what both job seekers and recruiters can do about it.
💡 What Makes Gen Z So Different?
New Gen, New Rules
Born between 1997 and 2008, Gen Z isn't just showing up to work—they're rewriting the rules. They want honesty, fast feedback, and jobs that actually mean something.
Tech Natives, Not Dinosaurs
We grew up with smartphones in hand and Wi-Fi everywhere. If your application process feels like it belongs in 2005, we’re out. Gen Z expects things to be smooth, digital, and fast.
Values > Vibes
We care about the planet, mental health, and inclusion. If a company’s values don’t align with ours? That’s a swipe left.
📊 The Numbers Say It All
- 90% of Gen Z candidates have ghosted a hiring process. Why? It’s too long, too quiet, or just… too rude.
- 59% say they’re not happy with how companies handle hiring.
- And over 90% of recruiters? They’ve been ghosted too. (Yep, it goes both ways.)
🚩 Why Gen Z Dips Out Mid-Process
⏳ Long, Complicated Applications
68% say the hiring process is just too much. We want speed, not a full-on marathon.
🙄 No Feedback = No Thanks
71% of us bounce when companies ghost us. If you’re not communicating, we’re not waiting.
😤 Rude Recruiters
Over half (53%) of Gen Z job seekers have dropped out after one bad interaction with a hiring manager. A little respect goes a long way.
✅ What Gen Z Actually Wants
⚡Fast, Clear Communication
Keep it real and keep it moving. We don’t want to be left hanging for weeks.
🧠 Engaging, Authentic Job Listings
63% of us skip boring job ads. Ditch the jargon—tell us what it’s really like to work there.
💸 Competitive Pay & Real Benefits
88% said low pay is an instant no. We know our worth, and we want to be compensated fairly.
🧩 From the Employer Side
👀 Some Are Avoiding Gen Z
31% of hiring managers admit they’d rather hire older candidates. Why? They think we expect too much or come off as entitled.
📉 Communication Gaps
39% think Gen Z lacks basic communication skills. 36% say we’re unprepared for interviews. Yikes.
😐 Engagement Issues
A third of hiring managers say Gen Z candidates don’t seem that interested. Time to bridge the gap on both sides.
🔧 How to Fix the Hiring Experience (for Everyone)
- Streamline Everything – Kill the fluff. Shorter, smarter application processes FTW.
- Give Feedback That Matters – Even a simple “we’re moving in a different direction” goes a long way.
- Make it a Vibe – From job ads to final interviews, the whole experience should be respectful, clear, and—honestly—a little fun.
Searching jobs on Gen Z
The team at Gen Z is constantly working on curating the best, most reliable and current job content on around the internet. Which means sometimes you may be redirected to another job board (Careerbuilder or ZipRecruiter for example) and other times you may be redirected to apply directly on the company's site from Gen Z. This approach allows us to bring the most content to you in one place, but if you see something amiss or are looking for additional content we don't have yet, we want to know. You can contact us any time here.
Photo by Polina Zimmerman