• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
SuccessThe Interview Playbook

Gen Zers are treating employers like bad dates: 93% ghost interviews and 87% have not even shown up for their first day of work

Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 7, 2025, 10:46 AM ET
Most Gen Zers admit to having charmed their way through interviews, secured the job, and signed the contract, only to leave their new boss stranded on the very first day.
Most Gen Zers admit to having charmed their way through interviews, secured the job, and signed the contract, only to leave their new boss stranded on the very first day.recep-bg—Getty Images

Ghosting isn’t just for dating anymore. Now Gen Z are treating their would-be employers like bad dates and not showing up for job interviews or their first day on the job without as much as a phone call.

Recommended Video

Employment website Indeed surveyed 1,500 businesses and 1,500 U.K. workers and found that job ghosting is rife, with 75% of workers saying they’ve ignored a prospective employer in the past year.

But the youngest generation of workers are by far the worst offenders: A whopping 93% of Gen Zers told the global recruitment platform that they’ve flaked out of an interview.

Worse still, a staggering 87% managed to charm their way through interviews, secure the job, and sign the contract, only to leave their new boss stranded on the very first day.

Their reason for doing so? According to the survey, it makes them “feel in charge of their career.”

But it’s having the opposite effect on businesses left high and dry: More than half of businesses surveyed said that ghosting has made hiring more difficult.

Businesses are also ghosting job applicants

Although Gen Z are the biggest culprits, baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials aren’t off the hook: Indeed’s data found that everyone is guilty of ghosting occasionally.

Almost half of those surveyed said they plan on pulling a disappearing act again, with a third deeming it acceptable to do so before an interview.

However, unlike Gen Zers who feel emboldened by blanking bosses, older workers say they instantly regret it. 

Millennials, for example, are most likely to feel anxious after ghosting and worried that ghosting will negatively impact future opportunities. 

What’s more, while more than half of Gen Zers are repeat offenders, the researchers found that a candidate’s likelihood to ghost again decreases with age. 

Even businesses are joining in: One in five workers complained that a prospective employer has failed to show up for a phone interview, while 23% have been provided with a verbal offer only to be left hanging.

It’s why workers today think that ghosting is fair game: More than half agree that since employers ghost job seekers, it’s okay to do it back.

And, perhaps surprisingly, over a third of companies agree that this sentiment is reasonable. 

Gen Z says they’ll stop ghosting if they get paid more

If employers want to get a hold of Gen Z, Indeed’s data says, they should sweeten the deal: When suggesting ways employers could prevent being ghosted, workers ranked higher pay first, followed by better benefits.

Indeed found that the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated ghosting, with around 40% of those surveyed admitting that they’re more likely to ghost if they find a job offering better pay or a cheaper commute.

Ultimately, it’s not just about getting the job. For young workers, it’s also about being able to afford to accept the offer.

Read more from Fortune

  • This entrepreneurial couple cashed out their 401(k)s and sold a $126 million company—now, they run a U.K. soccer team
  • Trump’s 25% tariffs are backfiring and threatening Gen Z’s trade career aspirations—putting car manufacturing jobs in peril
  • Gen Z women are being sold a risky dream: the realities behind ‘investing’ in designer bags like the Hermès Birkin
  • Like Tim Cook and Gen Z, AEG’s top exec eats the same lunch most days and wears the same outfit
  • Warren Buffett reveals the unique education strategy he took in school—and eventually paid off with a $170 billion fortune
  •  

    Gen Zers are being forced to turn down the roles because they can’t foot the bill for the expenses associated with starting a new job, like buying work-appropriate attire and a monthly train ticket.

    “It’s clear that the financial offer is the biggest carrot for employers trying to attract talent, with pay, benefits and other factors that support the rise in cost of living likely to prevent a job seeker from ghosting,” concluded Indeed’s U.K. head of talent intelligence, Danny Stacy.

    “Of course, not all businesses will be in the position to increase their offer, but being transparent about the financial package from the outset is likely to prevent job seekers from ghosting further along the hiring process.”

    Have you “Ghosted” or “career catfished” an employer recently? Or are you a manager who’s been on the receiving end of these trends? Fortune wants to hear from you. Get in touch: Orianna.Royle@fortune.com

    A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on February 19, 2024.

    More on Gen Z in the workplace:

    • Gen Z doesn’t lack a work ethic. They’re just uninspired by today’s corporate landscape
    • Internships are elusive, but more important than ever. Here’s how Gen Z is responding
    • Gen Z job seekers are turning to social media to find employment. Expert tips on making it work for you
    The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
    About the Author
    Orianna Rosa Royle
    By Orianna Rosa RoyleAssociate Editor, Success
    Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon

    Orianna Rosa Royle is the Success associate editor at Fortune, overseeing careers, leadership, and company culture coverage. She was previously the senior reporter at Management Today, Britain's longest-running publication for CEOs. 

    See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

    Latest in Success

    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025

    Most Popular

    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Fortune Secondary Logo
    Rankings
    • 100 Best Companies
    • Fortune 500
    • Global 500
    • Fortune 500 Europe
    • Most Powerful Women
    • World's Most Admired Companies
    • See All Rankings
    • Lists Calendar
    Sections
    • Finance
    • Fortune Crypto
    • Features
    • Leadership
    • Health
    • Commentary
    • Success
    • Retail
    • Mpw
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • CEO Initiative
    • Asia
    • Politics
    • Conferences
    • Europe
    • Newsletters
    • Personal Finance
    • Environment
    • Magazine
    • Education
    Customer Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Customer Service Portal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • Single Issues For Purchase
    • International Print
    Commercial Services
    • Advertising
    • Fortune Brand Studio
    • Fortune Analytics
    • Fortune Conferences
    • Business Development
    • Group Subscriptions
    About Us
    • About Us
    • Press Center
    • Work At Fortune
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Site Map
    • About Us
    • Press Center
    • Work At Fortune
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Site Map
    • Facebook icon
    • Twitter icon
    • LinkedIn icon
    • Instagram icon
    • Pinterest icon

    Latest in Success

    Svenja Gudell, chief economist at Indeed
    SuccessWorkplace Innovation Summit
    Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
    By Emma BurleighMay 22, 2026
    11 hours ago
    Steve Wozniak
    SuccessCareers
    Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50
    By Preston ForeMay 22, 2026
    12 hours ago
    You wouldn’t put your entire 401(k) in one stock. Why are you doing it with your credit card points?
    Personal FinancePersonal Finance Evergreen
    You wouldn’t put your entire 401(k) in one stock. Why are you doing it with your credit card points?
    By Catherina GioinoMay 22, 2026
    19 hours ago
    Gabrielle Judge, a content creator known as “Ms. Anti Work"
    SuccessWorkplace Innovation Summit
    Founder of Ms. Anti Work says her ‘lazy girl job’ allowed her to only work a few hours a day—and she built her media company on the side
    By Emma BurleighMay 22, 2026
    20 hours ago
    Anu Madgavkar, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute
    AIWorkplace Innovation Summit
    McKinsey partner says up to 50% of work hours could be transformed within the next 5 years
    By Emma BurleighMay 21, 2026
    1 day ago
    Jeff Bezos
    SuccessWealth
    Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
    By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
    1 day ago

    Most Popular

    Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
    Success
    Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
    By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
    1 day ago
    Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
    Success
    Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
    By Preston ForeMay 20, 2026
    3 days ago
    Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
    Workplace Culture
    Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
    By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
    3 days ago
    Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
    Workplace Culture
    Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
    By Sydney LakeMay 20, 2026
    2 days ago
    Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
    Success
    Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
    By Emma BurleighMay 22, 2026
    11 hours ago
    McKinsey partner says up to 50% of work hours could be transformed within the next 5 years
    AI
    McKinsey partner says up to 50% of work hours could be transformed within the next 5 years
    By Emma BurleighMay 21, 2026
    1 day ago

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.