Interviewer was stunned when Gen Z candidate joined interview on their phone saying it 'wasn’t that serious'— their closing remark crossed the line

Job interviews are usually a candidate's opportunity to make a good first impression, but one Gen Z candidate ended up doing the exact opposite. TikTok user Sophie, who goes by @sopharoch, posted a video on June 03, 2026, recalling a Gen Z candidate showing up for the virtual interview on their phone and explaining they had done so because it was “not that serious.” The applicant’s casual attitude continued throughout the interview. The conversation left her questioning whether some of the criticisms surrounding young professionals might be accurate.

As the conversation continued, the applicant shared that they loved the role being remote because they planned to spend the summer traveling across Europe. Sophie said the interview only became more awkward from there. They also questioned the compensation being offered, and then confidently assumed they were the only person interviewing for the position. Toward the end of the interview, they said, "I'll just expect to hear back and start Monday," leaving Sophie stunned by their confidence.

While remote work wasn't an issue in itself, Sophie admitted she was surprised the applicant chose to focus on vacation plans during a first interview rather than discussing the role or how they could contribute. The experience, she explained, was one of the reasons she felt some workplace stereotypes about interview etiquette might stem from real encounters.

The video received mixed reactions in the comments. Many viewers said the candidate's behavior shouldn't be used to judge an entire generation. Others, however, felt Sophie's story reflected interview experiences they had seen themselves and suggested she should not hire the applicant. @MP wrote, “This isn’t common behavior. Simply reject the candidate and move on.” @theejohnhelldiver commented, “Older Gen Z and younger Gen Z are two entirely different generations.” Another person, @Potatoesaregood, added, “My entire team is Gen Z, and it’s so frustrating. I got people sleeping for hours at a time during shift (WFH), people who literally don’t know the job and refuse to study.” 

Sophie's experience also highlighted a gap in how employers and job seekers view professionalism. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 79.7% of graduating students believed they were highly proficient in professionalism, but only 50.3% of employers agreed. This suggested that expectations around interview etiquette may not always align on both sides.

Sophie's story was not the only one to spark discussion about interview etiquette. ESPN host Chris Fowler previously shared that many Gen Zers lose valuable opportunities by treating common interview questions too casually. Instead of repeating details from their résumé, he encouraged applicants to focus on their personal story and explain why they would be a good fit for the role.

For more workplace stories, follow @sopharoch on TikTok.

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