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The Gen Zen Ghosting Game

Published on: 28 Feb 2024

Welcome to the age of the Gen Zen, where traditional rules are meant to be bent, broken and redefined. In this realm, ghosting interviews isn't just a faux pas; it's a strategic manoeuvre, a bold statement, and maybe even a little bit of a power move. Let's dive into why this generation thinks ghosting interviews is clever, backed by stats and a touch of that elusive zen mentality.

First things first, who exactly are the Gen Zen? Well, picture a group of individuals who are at ease with themselves and with tech. They thrive on mindfulness, seek balance in all aspects of life and approach challenges with a unique blend of calmness and determination. They're not your typical jobseekers; they're the ones who dare to question the status quo and march to the beat of their own drum.

So now, let's address ghosting interviews. Traditional wisdom dictates that attending every interview is crucial for landing a job. But the Gen Zen sees things differently. They understand the value of their time and energy, and they're not afraid to be selective about where they invest it. 

Let's look at some facts and figures:

Time is precious: According to a survey by The Muse, the average job search takes about 4-6months. That's a significant chunk of time spent networking, applying, and interviewing. The Gen Zen recognises that every interview is an investment of time and effort, and they're selective about which opportunities they pursue. 

Quality over quantity: Contrary to popular belief, more interviews don't always lead to more job offers. The Gen Zen focuses on quality over quantity, preferring to research companies thoroughly before committing to an interview.

The rise of remote working: In a post-pandemic world, remote work has become the new norm. According to recent research, remote work has increased by 150% in recent years. This shift has opened up a world of opportunities for the Gen Zen, allowing them to cast a wider net and explore job opportunities beyond their geographic location. With remote work on the rise, the Gen Zen is more selective about which interviews they attend, prioritising companies that offer flexible work arrangements. 

So why do they think ghosting interviews is clever where it seems rude, arrogant and disrespectful of others time, aside from burning bridges for any future opportunities? For the Gen Zen, it's all about reclaiming control over their job search process. By strategically ghosting interviews, they demonstrate confidence in their skills and priorities. They're not afraid to walk away from opportunities that don't align with their values, knowing that the right opportunity is worth waiting for. 

Whilst it could be deemed incredibly rude to ghost an interview, burning bridges and disrespecting employers, for the Gen Zen it is about honouring their own time and energy whilst navigating the often overwhelming world of job hunting. The Gen Zen understands that sometimes the best move is to take a step back, reassess their options and move forward with intention. 

Ghosting interviews may seem unconventional, but for the Gen Zen, it's a calculated decision rooted in mindfulness and self-awareness. As they continue to redefine the rules of the game, one things for sure: the Gen Zen isn't afraid to blaze their own trail, even if it means occasionally disappearing into the ether of the job market. 

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