The Rise of Entitlement Among Job Applicants: A Modern Employer’s Dilemma

​In today’s digital age, the way people apply for jobs has changed dramatically. As an employer, I’ve observed a noticeable shift: many job applicants now approach the process with a sense of entitlement and informality that would have been unthinkable in previous generations. Rather than demonstrating humility and respect for the organization, some candidates act as if wanting a position is enough to deserve it—regardless of their actual qualifications or experience.

My Experience. From Humility to Entitlement.
During our online recruitment process, I’ve encountered applicants who:

• Are overly demanding about salary, benefits, and work arrangements—even before being interviewed or assessed.
• Assume they are a “perfect fit” for the job without providing evidence of relevant skills or achievements.
• Communicate casually, sometimes bordering on disrespectful, as if there is no boundary between themselves and the employer.
• Show little appreciation for the opportunity or the competitive nature of the job market, believing it’s their right to be chosen simply because they want the position.

This is a stark contrast to previous generations, who approached job applications with humility, professionalism, and a clear respect for authority and organizational hierarchy.

Research & Industry Experiences
This trend is not unique to my organization. Many employers and HR professionals have reported similar experiences:

• A LinkedIn article discusses how entitlement and complacency are rising among applicants and employees, creating a gap between what organizations expect and what candidates deliver.
• Another resource, How to identify jobseekers who turn into ‘entitled’ employees, highlights that these individuals are often more focused on their own needs than on teamwork or organizational fit.
• Recruiters and hiring managers on forums like Reddit share stories of applicants making unreasonable demands, expecting special treatment, and showing little respect for the process.

Experts suggest that the rise of remote work, social media, and a candidate-driven job market have contributed to this attitude shift. The sense of distance in online applications can make some candidates forget the importance of professionalism and respect.

Assumptions: How Entitlement Impacts Organizations

When entitled attitudes become common among new hires, organizations can face several challenges:

• Lower Productivity: Entitled employees may resist feedback, refuse tasks outside their comfort zone, and undermine teamwork, leading to inefficiency and missed targets.
• Cultural Erosion: A “diva” mentality can spread, damaging respect for leadership and eroding the values that hold a company together. This can result in a toxic culture where rules and standards are ignored.
• Increased Turnover: Teams with mismatched expectations and poor attitudes are less cohesive, leading to higher attrition rates, frequent conflicts, and increased recruitment costs.
• Reputation Risk: If entitled behavior is tolerated, it can harm the company’s reputation among clients, partners, and high-performing employees, making it harder to attract and retain top talent.

Ultimately, a workforce full of entitled individuals can slow down progress, create unnecessary drama, and distract from the company’s goals.How Employers Can Protect Their OrganizationsTo safeguard workplace culture and maintain high standards, employers should:

• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate company values, behavioral standards, and job requirements from the start of the hiring process.
• Screen for Attitude: During interviews, prioritize candidates who demonstrate humility, willingness to learn, and a team-oriented mindset over credentials alone.
• Enforce Boundaries: Maintain professionalism in all communications, even in online channels. Set boundaries for what is acceptable during the hiring process and beyond.
• Promote Accountability: Recognize and reward team players, while holding entitled behavior accountable through feedback and performance management.
• Invest in Onboarding: Use onboarding to reinforce cultural norms, expectations, and the importance of respect and professionalism.

Final Thoughts
The job application process is a two-way street, but respect and professionalism should never go out of style. While organizations must adapt to changing times, they must also protect the culture, standards, and values that drive long-term success.

“Don’t just ask if you deserve the job—ask if the job deserves you. But first, make sure you’ve earned the right to be chosen.”