Gen Z job applicant divides internet by refusing to do task
Who was in the wrong: the employer or future employee?
Job interviews can be very stressful.
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No matter how prepared you are, it's quite difficult to feel calm in a situation that could significantly determine your future.
In recent years, especially post-COVID, there has been a lot of discussion about toxic workplaces, finding a work-life balance, and other aspects of working life.
What has become polarising at times is the difference in how Gen Z, Millennials, and older generations operate in the workplace.
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The younger generations don't agree with how the older generations do things and vice versa.
Recently, a post on X has gone viral as it is a prime example of this.
The user, @mu2myoc, posted about an interaction they had with a job applicant.
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They explained that during an interview they had requested the applicant to do a task and were shocked by how they replied:
Me: really enjoyed the call. Please see attached financial modeling test
— m. stanfield (@mu2myoc) April 23, 2024
Gen Z applicant: this looks like a lot of work. Without knowing where I stand in the process, I’m not comfortable spending 90 minutes in Excel
Me:…well…I can tell you where you stand now
Clearly, the interviewer was not impressed with how the applicant responded.
While many might agree with the person who posted about the situation, there has been a lot of support for the applicant as well.
The post has started quite the debate:
I do have a serious question: did you tell the applicant that the financial modeling test was part of the process? If so then the applicant was outta line; if not then the online advice column question comes to mind:
— Steve Carrow (@SACarrow) April 24, 2024
AITA?
I once had a place give me a four hour data analysis and modelling test packet. Told me they loved the work, and then the next day laid off 30% of staff. I get why people can be suspicious. 90 mins (if true) seems reasonable
— Conservative Credit Underwriting Culture (@CECL_Allowance) April 23, 2024
Did that legitimately happen to you…in this market??
— Dr. Henry Jones (@DrHWJones1) April 23, 2024
The applicant dodged a bullet.
— Daniel (@Daniel_Suru) April 24, 2024
yeah, I also don't do tests for prospective employers, unless they're offering something the other employers aren't
— zenXV (@zenxv) April 23, 2024
It seems that there is no right or wrong with this one; it's more of a personal choice.
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