7 Jaw-Dropping Gen Z Interview Statistics (2025)

The old hiring rulebook is burning—and zoomers hold the match.

Generation Z has a different approach to work, with unique preferences and expectations.

Employers must adapt to these new dynamics to attract and retain top young professionals.

Let's explore the Gen Z job interview statistics that indicate a clear generational shift.

Key Generation Z Job Interview Statistics

• 27% of Gen Zers have attended a job interview with a parent
• 50% of recruiters say Gen Z candidates have difficulty making eye contact during job interviews
• 21% of employers reported that some Zoomers refused to turn on their camera during virtual interviews

79% of Gen Z candidates say they are anxious or frustrated about the interview process (SHRM)

If Gen Z had to describe job interviews in one word, it would likely be stressful.

Nearly 8 in 10 Gen Z candidates report feeling anxious or frustrated about the interview process.

Zoomers entered the job market amid economic uncertainty, mass layoffs, and shifting hiring expectations.

Many Gen Z candidates are also navigating interviews with little to no guidance, leaving them overwhelmed and unsure of how to stand out.

Most recruiters say younger candidates have difficulty making eye contact during job interviews (Business Insider)

Eye contact has long been a staple of professional etiquette, but for Gen Z, it’s not always a given.

A majority of recruiters have observed that Gen Z candidates struggle to maintain eye contact during interviews.

This could be due to increased digital communication, where eye contact isn’t as crucial, or heightened social anxiety in face-to-face interactions.

93% of Zoomers have ghosted an interviewer before (by Indeed on 1,500 young workers via The Independent)

Interview ghosting isn’t just happening—it’s becoming the norm.

A staggering 93% of Gen Z candidates have failed to show up for a scheduled interview in their career.

Even more surprising? Nearly 1 in 5 Zoomers admit that ghosting a potential employer makes them feel empowered.

Many Gen Z candidates feel disrespected by companies’ hiring practices—long response times, lack of feedback, and impersonal automated rejections.

In return, they’ve adopted a “no-show” strategy of their own.

21% of employers reported instances where Zoomers refused to turn on their cameras during virtual interviews (New York Post).

Virtual interviews are here to stay, but Gen Z isn’t always ready to show their face.

More than one in five employers report that Gen Z candidates have refused to turn on their cameras during virtual interviews.

Whether it’s due to anxiety, discomfort, or a lack of professionalism, this trend is raising eyebrows among hiring managers.

On average, Gen Zers consider that an annual salary of $587,797 is the minimum to achieve “financial success” (Forbes)

How much money does Gen Z think they need to make it?

A lot!

The average Gen Zer believes they need an annual salary of $587,797 and a net worth of $9.47 million to achieve financial success.

This is likely due to the pervasive influence of social media and influencers, who constantly showcase curated, luxurious lifestyles—private jets, designer goods, and exotic vacations—creating a distorted perception of success.

Nearly 27% of Gen Zers have attended a job interview with a parent in tow (Forbes)

Parental involvement in the job search isn’t just happening—it’s becoming a strategy.

More than a quarter of Gen Z job seekers have attended an interview with a parent in tow. Some even bring their parents into salary negotiations.

While this may seem unusual, it reflects Gen Z’s reliance on family support and their desire to make well-informed career decisions.

One-third of Zoomers admit that they do not know how to effectively communicate with hiring managers (CNBC)

For many Gen Z candidates, the job interview process feels like uncharted territory.

One in three Zoomers admit they don’t know how to effectively communicate with hiring managers.

Growing up in a digital-first world, many Gen Zers have had fewer face-to-face professional interactions than previous generations, making in-person interviews a daunting experience.

The Bottom Line

A generational shift is happening, and employers need to adapt to take it into account.

From evolving communication norms to rising salary expectations, these trends highlight the need for a fresh approach to hiring.

Forward-thinking companies will invest in candidate experience, transparency, and adaptability to attract the best young talent.