Why 'career catfishing' is disrupting recruitment processes

The recruitment landscape is undergoing significant transformation, but a troubling trend is causing growing concern for employers: “career catfishing.” This phenomenon, where candidates disappear at the last minute or fail to show up after being hired, is becoming increasingly common, particularly among younger generations. Borrowing its name from the online dating world—where individuals create false identities to deceive others—this practice has found its way into the professional sphere.

What is career catfishing?

Career catfishing refers to candidates who, after progressing through multiple stages of recruitment and sometimes even accepting a job offer, vanish without explanation before their start date. Despite displaying enthusiasm during interviews, these individuals either cut off communication entirely or inform the employer at the last moment that they won’t be joining. This behavior leaves companies frustrated, as they’ve invested significant time and resources in the hiring process, only to be left scrambling for solutions.

A trend among younger generations

This disruptive trend is particularly prevalent among millennials and Generation Z. A survey conducted by CV Genius found that 34% of Gen Z employees and 24% of millennials in the UK have backed out of a job after accepting an offer. Similarly, in the United States, research by PapersOwl revealed that 29% of workers under 35 have “ghosted” an employer, abruptly ceasing all communication after agreeing to a position.

Experts suggest this behavior is tied to a shifting power dynamic between employers and candidates, with younger workers feeling increasingly empowered in a tight labor market. The decision to ghost an employer often reflects dissatisfaction with the job offer or the hiring process itself.

Why are candidates engaging in career catfishing?

The motivations behind career catfishing vary widely. For some, it may be an experiment to test the boundaries of the hiring system. Others find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of joining a company that doesn’t align with their expectations or interests. Common reasons include dissatisfaction with salary offers, concerns about the role’s long-term fit, or frustration with lengthy and unclear recruitment processes.

A 2024 study by Indeed and OpinionWay revealed that 47% of recruiters admitted to ghosting candidates after an interview, offering one possible explanation for the rise of career catfishing. Some candidates might see this as an opportunity for retaliation, mirroring the lack of communication they themselves have experienced during hiring.

The risks of career catfishing

While career catfishing might seem harmless to candidates who feel they hold the upper hand, it carries significant risks. In today’s interconnected professional world, abandoning a job offer without explanation can quickly tarnish an individual’s reputation. Recruiters and HR professionals often move between companies, and word of unprofessional behavior can spread within industries. What begins as a seemingly inconsequential action could lead to long-term consequences for a candidate’s career.

Transparency as the key to resolution

Career catfishing is not a one-sided issue. While recruiters may sometimes fail to respond to candidates, particularly after interviews, job seekers also have a responsibility to communicate openly. Providing a clear refusal is far more professional than going silent.

This phenomenon highlights an imbalance in the job market but also underscores the importance of honest and transparent communication from both sides. By fostering better dialogue, employers and candidates alike can work to restore trust and create a more balanced recruitment process.