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06.16.2025
Generation Z job candidates are gaining a reputation for "ghosting" companies during the hiring process, but their actions appear to be creating change when it comes to traditional onboarding procedures.
A recent report from Resume.org found that 54% of hiring managers have been ghosted by a Gen Z candidate after extending a job offer.
The report, which surveyed 1,115 hiring managers, also found that 66% of hiring managers said Gen Z ghosting has made the hiring process more difficult. It’s caused 1 in 10 hiring managers to no longer consider Gen Z candidates at all — yet another reason employers have provided for why they're frustrated with Gen Z applicants.
For hiring managers who have been ghosted, that action is playing out in different ways. According to the Resume.org report, 27% said candidates have accepted an offer but never completed the necessary paperwork; 26% said they've completed the paperwork but do not show up on day one; and 29% said candidates have shown up for a few days or a week before disappearing without notice.
The ghosting isn’t limited to the post-offer stage. The report also found that nearly one-quarter of hiring managers (22%) said they’ve had candidates ghost them before they can even make initial contact. Forty-one percent said they've had candidates who have stopped replying after an initial outreach, 38% said candidates have stopped replying after an interview, and 22% said candidates have failed to respond to an offer letter.
Add it all up, and one expert believes the overall hiring system could use a refresh.
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