Key Highlights:
- TikTok creator and social media agency owner Rain (@rainjg13) shared why she now partially agrees with stereotypes labeling Gen Z as difficult workers following an unprepared intern interview.
- During an interview, the candidate claimed to have engaged with company content, only to admit under questioning that she had not reviewed the website or client list at all.
- The viral clip sparked an online debate, drawing corroborating stories from managers about unprofessional interview behavior alongside pushback from defenders of Gen Z workers.
Viral TikTok by Agency Founder Rain Explores Gen Z Work Ethic
A viral video posted by TikTok creator and Gen Z business owner Rain (@rainjg13) has sparked widespread conversation about the professional readiness of younger job applicants. Rain, who operates a six-figure social media marketing agency, posted a clip explaining why an encounter with an unprepared job seeker caused her to reconsider the prevailing corporate stereotype that Gen Z represents the worst generation of workers. The clip has accumulated nearly 611,000 views and over 1,920 comments, with viewers weighing in on hiring standards and generational workplace culture.
In her video, Rain acknowledged that she employs several Gen Z team members who are exceptionally dedicated, hardworking, and productive. However, she noted that an increasing number of applicants appear to lack basic professional enthusiasm. The creator explained that her agency regularly interviews recent college graduates for internship opportunities that often translate into full-time roles, which left her eager to meet the prospective candidate in question.
The Interview Interaction That Changed Rain’s Perspective
During the screening process, Rain sought to evaluate whether the prospective intern possessed basic initiative regarding the firm’s brand and client portfolio. Specifically, she asked, “Did you take a look at our website, or our Instagram?” She then took it a step further and asked, “Did any of our clients stick out to you as something that you found particularly interesting?”
The candidate initially offered an evasive answer, claiming to have watched a few podcast clips displayed on the website. Probing further, Rain asked the applicant to specify which clients resonated with her most. Noticing the applicant struggling to form a coherent response, Rain encouraged honesty. At that point, the applicant admitted that she had not actually reviewed any content on the firm’s website. Rain concluded the interview immediately, noting that the candidate’s lack of preparation confirmed the negative tropes circulating about early-career Gen Z professionals.
Online Community Divides Over Candidate Etiquette
The account provoked a strong reaction across TikTok, prompting other hiring managers and entry-level workers to compare their own experiences. Some commenters validated Rain’s frustrations, recounting similar hurdles during recruitment drives. One user noted: “I just had an interview with a company and they told me ‘You’re the only person who knew about us. No one else knew anything about us.’ Like HUH?”
Another manager contributed a vivid anecdote regarding interview decorum: “Millennial manager here. Had a girl take McDonalds out of her bag and start chowing down for a 30 minute interview. Got annoyed we kept asking her questions while she was eating.”
Conversely, defenders of younger workers argued that unprofessional behavior is not unique to a specific age demographic. One commenter countered: “I’m not sure why there is such a target on Gen Z. There have been unprofessional people in every generation. So many of us are doing great!”
Why This Matters
The discourse surrounding Rain’s interview highlights ongoing friction between entry-level workers and hiring managers as corporate entry expectations evolve. With employers placing heavy emphasis on candidate research, adaptability, and enthusiasm, recurring reports of poor interview preparation risk cementing negative hiring biases against Gen Z job seekers entering an increasingly competitive white-collar job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO involved in the viral video?
The video was shared by TikTok creator Rain (@rainjg13), an entrepreneur who operates a six-figure social media marketing agency and belongs to Generation Z herself.
What specific question caused the interview to fall apart?
Rain asked the applicant, “Did you take a look at our website, or our Instagram?” followed by, “Did any of our clients stick out to you as something that you found particularly interesting?” The candidate eventually admitted that she had not examined any materials on the firm’s website.
Were the claims in the TikTok video independently verified?
The account reflects the personal experience and statements shared directly by Rain on her TikTok account, and those specific interactions have not been independently verified.
