Generation Z parents increasingly participate in job interviews

A study by the career services platform Zety, conducted in January 2026 among 1,001 Generation Z employees in the US, has highlighted a phenomenon known as ‘career co-piloting.’ This trend involves parents becoming active participants in the employment process for their adult children, aged 18 to 27.

According to the research, 20 percent of respondents reported that a parent joined them for a job interview, with 15 percent occurring in person and 5 percent via the internet. Additionally, 21 percent of young people stated that a parent contacted a potential employer or hiring manager on their behalf. While 44 percent received parental assistance with writing or editing resumes, the level of involvement in direct communication and interviews raises questions regarding the development of independent professional skills.