📌 Career Catfishing: The New Trend Where Gen Z Disappears After Accepting Jobs
📰 How many times have Millennials or Gen X candidates endured endless rounds of interviews only to be ghosted by employers at the last moment? It feels like history repeating itself.
However, Gen Z is taking a different approach. Frustrated by opaque hiring processes and long waiting periods, many young professionals are now practicing what is being called “career catfishing”—accepting job offers but not showing up on the joining date without notice.
A survey of 1,000 UK-based employees by career resources platform CV Genius revealed that around 34% of Gen Z candidates have participated in this trend at least once.
Real Stories Behind Career Catfishing
For 22-year-old Smita Apurva, a Delhi University graduate, career catfishing was a way to regain control over her career journey.
“I applied to multiple jobs in my third year, and many employers kept me waiting for months. The anxiety was overwhelming,” she explains. “When I finally received appointment letters from two companies, I accepted both but never turned up. Leaving them hanging gave me a sense of relief. Eventually, I joined a different company that suited me better.”
Smita’s story highlights a growing frustration among Gen Z employees: a disconnect between expectations and reality in modern recruitment processes.
Why Career Catfishing Is on the Rise
Research by Deloitte indicates that Gen Z has distinct expectations about the workplace and career growth, which often clash with traditional managerial views.
A survey conducted by Intelligent.com in October 2024 revealed that eight in 10 hiring managers believe Gen Z workers need guidance in professional etiquette, citing concerns with dress code, communication, and compensation demands.
Career catfishing often emerges as a silent protest against:
- Lack of flexibility at work
- Vague or misleading job descriptions
- Poor workplace environment
- Tedious or opaque hiring processes
Swati Dhir, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the International Management Institute, New Delhi, explains:
“Gen Z wants more control over their roles and actively participate in designing their jobs. Career catfishing reflects their demand for agency in the workplace.”
Neelima Chakara, Executive Coach and Founder of PurposeLadder, adds:
“Candidates can compare multiple job offers and evaluate employers on transparency, respect, clarity, and efficiency of the hiring process. Career catfishing allows them to make a choice without direct confrontation.”
Consequences of Career Catfishing
While it may feel empowering for candidates, career catfishing can have serious repercussions.
Chetna Israni, Director and Co-founder of Morning Star Brandcom, says:
“This behavior damages credibility and fosters a negative perception of Gen Z as unreliable or unethical. Employers may generalize, making it harder for deserving candidates to gain trust in the future.”
Other potential consequences include:
- Career setbacks: Severing ties with an employer can limit future opportunities.
- Legal issues: Signing a contract and not honoring it could result in legal action.
- Ethical concerns: Career catfishing is often viewed as unprofessional and may result in blacklisting.
“This trend is more about avoidance than strategy—it often reflects a lack of confidence rather than competence,” Israni explains.
How Employers Can Navigate Career Catfishing
Addressing career catfishing requires multi-generational understanding and clear communication. Best practices include:
- Transparent Communication
Keep candidates informed at every stage. Clear instructions about next steps reduce uncertainty. - Realistic Job Previews
Provide detailed descriptions about responsibilities, company culture, and expectations. - Open Dialogue
Encourage honest conversations without compromising professional boundaries. Offer mentorship and create safe spaces for new hires to express concerns. - Streamlined Hiring Process
Reduce delays between interviews and offers. Provide timely feedback to candidates to prevent disengagement. - Address Root Causes of Discontent
Millennial managers can help resolve issues by explaining organizational practices and providing options wherever possible.
Neelima Chakara emphasizes:
“Avoid ghosting candidates during hiring. Clear communication and efficient processes help retain interest and trust.”
🌐 Conclusion
Career catfishing highlights the generational shift in workplace expectations. Gen Z prioritizes transparency, respect, and agency in their careers. While this trend presents challenges, employers who adapt by improving communication, streamlining processes, and fostering inclusivity can retain top talent and reduce the impact of career catfishing.
