Kevin O'Leary Says This Gen Z Job Trend Sends a 'Horrific Signal' to Employers: 'That Resume Goes Right Into the Garbage'

Entrepreneur

by Sherin Shibu

March 2, 2026

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Kevin O’Leary has criticized a growing trend among Gen Z job seekers who bring parents into interviews, calling it a “horrific signal” to employers. He argues that this practice suggests a lack of independence and decision-making skills, which are critical for professional environments. During a recent interview on Fox Business’ Varney & Co., O’Leary emphasized that such behavior raises red flags about an applicant’s ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. He even went so far as to say that if a Gen Z candidate arrives with a parent during an interview, their resume would immediately be disregarded. The issue gained attention after a survey by career platform Zety revealed that 5% of Gen Z respondents had parents virtually attend job interviews, while 15% brought them in person. Additionally, over 40% of Gen Z workers admitted their parents helped draft their resumes, and one in five reported having a parent contact employers or recruiters on their behalf. O’Leary shared an anecdote about a Gen Z candidate who appeared on a Zoom call with their mother present. He firmly stated that either the parent had to leave or the candidate would no longer be considered for the role. Experts like Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, agree that seeking parental help with resumes or interview preparation is acceptable. However, involving parents in formal hiring processes sends the wrong message. Beene explained that while it’s normal to seek advice from family members during early stages of job searching, their presence in interviews undermines an applicant’s ability to appear professional and self-sufficient. This trend could have significant implications for startups, which often rely on employees who can make quick decisions and work independently

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Originally published on Entrepreneur on 3/2/2026