The Rise Of Career Catfishing: Job Offer? I'll Think About It... Then Disappear
In an era where job hunting feels like an endurance test, a new trend is emerging—career catfishing. Increasing numbers of job seekers are accepting offers, signing contracts, and then vanishing without a trace. What’s driving this wave of workplace ghosting, and what does it say about the evolving relationship between employees and employers?
A Sign of the Times
Career catfishing refers to individuals who go through the entire hiring process—applications, interviews, and contract signing—only to never show up on their first day. A survey by CVGenius reveals that 34% of Gen Z job seekers have engaged in this practice, alongside 24% of millennials, 11% of Gen Xers, and 7% of baby boomers.
What’s behind this behaviour? Experts suggest a combination of job market frustration, imposter syndrome, and changing attitudes towards work. Dr Astik Joshi, a psychiatrist from New Delhi, told NDTV that many candidates feel disillusioned with traditional corporate structures. “Gen Z, in particular, is reshaping workplace norms, placing mental well-being above blind loyalty to companies,” he says. “Career catfishing extends beyond job ghosting—it includes inflating qualifications, exaggerating experience, and even fabricating identities to secure positions.”
The Root Causes
The modern job market is a battlefield. On average, applicants submit between 100 to 200 applications before landing a single offer. Adding to the frustration, ‘ghost jobs’—fake job listings posted by companies—have become alarmingly common. These listings exist either to create an illusion of growth, keep current employees uneasy, or simply test the market.
In addition, ‘professional ghosting’—where companies put candidates through rounds of interviews only to cut off communication—has contributed to job seekers feeling disposable. Dr Gorav Gupta, a psychologist, told NDTV that career catfishing is often a response to these exhausting hiring practices. “Delayed feedback, unclear job descriptions, and rejection anxiety drive some candidates to resort to deception,” he says.
A Generational Divide?
While career catfishing is most prevalent among Gen Z and millennials, older generations are not immune. Dr Joshi points out that even senior professionals have engaged in exaggerating qualifications to gain an edge in a competitive market. “This is not just a Gen Z issue—it’s a reflection of the modern workplace’s flaws,” he explains.
For many young workers, career catfishing is seen as a way to regain control. With automated hiring systems prioritising credentials over potential, and employers treating applicants as disposable, some job seekers justify ghosting as a form of resistance.
The Risks of Vanishing
While it may seem like a minor act of rebellion, career catfishing comes with consequences. Employers face lost productivity, hiring delays, and financial losses when new hires vanish. For job seekers, the risks include reputational damage, increased stress, and even blacklisting from industries.
“While career catfishing might offer a temporary advantage, in the long run, it can harm one’s credibility,” warns Dr Gupta. “The anxiety of being exposed and the ethical concerns surrounding such deception can weigh heavily on individuals.”
Fixing the Hiring Process
Experts agree that the solution lies in reforming recruitment practices. Employers must streamline hiring processes, provide timely feedback, and be transparent about job roles. On the other side, job seekers should prioritise skill-building and networking over misrepresentation.
Dr Joshi emphasises the need for trust and accountability in workplaces. “A hiring system built on honesty and mutual respect benefits both employers and employees,” he says. “Instead of engaging in deception, companies and candidates alike should foster open communication and realistic expectations.”
Career catfishing is a symptom of deeper workplace frustrations. While job seekers may see it as a way to push back against a broken system, the long-term effects are far from beneficial. As the job market continues to evolve, both employers and employees must work towards a fairer, more transparent hiring process—one where ghosting, from either side, becomes a thing of the past.
