College graduates now are walking away from job interviews that don’t mention pay, with 44 percent admitting to ghosting recruiters when salary isn’t disclosed upfront, according to Monster’s State of the Graduate report cited by the New York Post.
The trend, driven by a desire for transparency, is reshaping the hiring process. “Since so many job descriptions provide it as a common practice, when other employers don’t, graduates may simply gloss over these job listings,” said Monster career expert Vicki Salemi.
Thanks to salary transparency laws in states like New York, California, and Colorado, younger applicants are now skipping job listings without pay ranges and prioritizing roles that align with their values. Monster found nearly 75 percent of 2025 grads wouldn’t work for a company with opposing political beliefs, and a third want diverse leadership. Hybrid work is also a priority, with 42 percent saying it’s non-negotiable.
Kate Duchene, CEO of global firm RGP, told Fortune that Gen Z isn’t afraid to leave jobs if they feel unheard. “They aren’t afraid to push back,” she said.
Still, not all employers are convinced. About 60 percent of managers said they’ve let go of Gen Z hires over what they perceive as a lack of professionalism, including not replying to emails or arriving late.
But some companies are adjusting. “Today’s graduates are ambitious, intentional, and values-driven,” said Scott Blumsac, Monster’s chief marketing officer. “Employers who offer flexibility, purpose, and growth will be best positioned to attract top talent.”
