The Growing Disconnect Between Employers and Job Seekers
The modern job market is witnessing a concerning shift in recruitment dynamics, characterised by employer ‘ghosting’ of job applicants and the rise of ‘career catfishing’ among Gen Z professionals. These two trends are contributing to a growing disconnect between job seekers and employers, ultimately reshaping hiring practices and professional expectations. Recent studies indicate that over 61% of job seekers have been ghosted by employers during the recruitment process, while approximately 34% of Gen Z workers admit to accepting job offers only to disappear before their start date. These trends raise critical questions about transparency, communication, and accountability in the hiring process.
The Rise of Employer Ghosting
Employer ghosting, where companies fail to follow up with job applicants at various stages of recruitment, has become increasingly common. A 2025 survey found that ghosting incidents have risen by 19 percentage points since April 2024, reflecting a deteriorating hiring experience for job seekers. Contributing factors include an overwhelming volume of applications, the use of AI-driven applicant tracking systems, and shifting hiring priorities. Some organizations post ‘ghost jobs’—positions that remain advertised despite being filled or non-existent—leading to further frustration among candidates.
The consequences of employer ghosting are significant. Applicants invest time and effort in preparing applications and attending interviews, only to be met with silence. This lack of communication damages an organisation’s reputation, discourages top talent from applying in the future, and fosters resentment toward the hiring process. In a competitive labor market, companies that fail to engage meaningfully with candidates risk losing potential employees to more responsive competitors.
The Emergence of Career Catfishing
On the flip side, a growing number of Gen Z job seekers are engaging in career catfishing—a practice where candidates accept job offers but never show up on their start date. This phenomenon, reported among 34% of Gen Z workers, stems from several factors, including frustration with slow hiring processes, last-minute acceptance of better offers, and a general shift in workplace attitudes. Some candidates even cite peer influence and social media trends as reasons for ghosting their employers.
Career catfishing presents a serious challenge for employers, particularly those investing in onboarding, training, and resource allocation for new hires. The financial costs associated with no-show employees can be substantial, and organisations may struggle with unfilled roles, operational inefficiencies, and increased hiring expenditures. In response, some companies have begun implementing stricter hiring policies, such as requiring signed commitments before onboarding or offering incentives to secure candidates.
The Interplay Between Ghosting and Catfishing
The rise of career catfishing can, in many ways, be seen as a reaction to employer ghosting. When job seekers experience a lack of transparency and communication from companies, they may feel justified in adopting similar behaviors. This cycle of ghosting—by both employers and employees—undermines trust in the hiring process, ultimately making recruitment more difficult for all parties involved.
To break this cycle, organisations must adopt more transparent and engaging hiring practices. Clear and timely communication with applicants, realistic job postings, and efficient decision-making can significantly improve the candidate experience. Similarly, job seekers should approach the hiring process with professionalism, ensuring that their commitments align with their intentions.
Moving Toward a More Ethical Hiring Culture
As the workforce continues to evolve, addressing these issues will require a collective effort from both employers and employees. Companies must prioritize respectful communication, ensuring that candidates receive timely updates on their application status. Likewise, job seekers must recognize the importance of professionalism and integrity when navigating career opportunities.
Ultimately, the solution to these challenges lies in fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect within the job market. Organisations that implement fair hiring practices and candidates who approach job offers with sincerity can contribute to a more transparent, efficient, and ethical employment landscape.
