Why 9 out of 10 Gen Z Candidates Quit Because of a Bad Hiring Process

Ever felt like the hiring process was more exhausting than the job itself? If you're a Gen Z job seeker, you're not alone. A staggering 90% of Gen Z candidates have ghosted potential employers due to a poor hiring experience. Why is this happening, and how can it be fixed? This blog post explores the reasons behind this trend, offering insights and practical tips for job seekers and recruiters alike.

What Makes Gen Z Different?

A New Generation in the Workforce

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2008, enters the workforce with unique expectations. Unlike previous generations, they value transparency, quick feedback, and meaningful work.

The Digital Natives

Growing up with technology, this generation is tech-savvy and expects efficient processes. They get frustrated with outdated systems, and their familiarity with digital platforms shapes their hiring expectations.

Value-Driven Decisions

Gen Z cares about company values, seeking employers aligned with their views on social responsibility, sustainability, and work-life balance. A mismatch can be a dealbreaker.

Key Findings on Gen Z and Hiring

The Statistics Speak Volumes- A survey of 925 Gen Z individuals revealed that over 90% quit the hiring process without explanation. Reasons include long processes, lack of feedback, and rude hiring managers.

The Ghosting Phenomenon- Ghosting isn’t just for dating—over 90% of recruiters report being ghosted by Gen Z candidates. This sudden disappearance often signals deeper issues in the hiring process.

Unhappy Candidates- A staggering 59% of Gen Z are dissatisfied with their hiring experiences, leading to high dropout rates and missed opportunities.

Why Gen Zers Quit the Hiring Process

Lengthy and Complex Procedures- 68% of Gen Z candidates find long and complicated hiring processes discouraging. They prefer efficiency, making it crucial for companies to streamline recruitment.

Lack of Feedback- 71% of candidates quit due to slow or absent feedback. Timely communication is vital to keeping Gen Z engaged.

Rude Hiring Managers- 53% of Gen Zers dropped out because the hiring manager was rude. Negative interactions can quickly turn off potential employees, highlighting the need for respectful communication.

What Gen Z Wants in a Hiring Process

Quick and Clear Communication- Timeliness and clarity are essential. Companies must communicate swiftly and transparently to keep Gen Z candidates informed.

Engaging Job Ads- 63% of Gen Z candidates are put off by boring job ads. Creating engaging and authentic postings can attract their interest.

Fair Compensation and Benefits- 88% of Gen Z said low pay is a dealbreaker. Competitive salaries and appealing benefits are key to attracting top talent.

The Employer's Perspective

Challenges in Hiring Gen Z- 31% of hiring managers avoid hiring Gen Z, favoring older candidates. Common complaints include high salary expectations and a perceived sense of entitlement.

Communication Skills- 39% of hiring managers feel Gen Z lacks communication skills, while 36% say they are often unprepared for interviews. These issues highlight the need for better preparation for young job seekers.

Engagement and Interest- 33% of hiring managers say Gen Z doesn’t seem engaged in job opportunities, which can be a significant hurdle in hiring.

How to Improve the Hiring Process for Gen Z

Simplify the Process- Streamline your hiring process to make it faster and more efficient. Eliminate unnecessary steps and focus on what matters.

Provide Timely Feedback- Ensure candidates receive timely and constructive feedback. This keeps them engaged and shows you value their time.

Create a Positive Experience- Every interaction should create a positive experience, from engaging job ads to respectful communication. This will attract Gen Z candidates and enhance your employer brand.

Understanding why 9 out of 10 Gen Z candidates quit due to a poor hiring process is the first step to creating a more effective recruitment strategy. By addressing their unique needs and preferences, employers can attract and retain top talent from this tech-savvy, value-driven generation. For more insights and strategies on improving your hiring process, check out the full article here.

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