Recruiters say taking a Zoom call from your phone looks unprofessional. Younger workers say it’s just the technology they grew up with.
When Jason Rogers interviewed for his first post-college job in 2020, he didn't open his laptop. He used his iPhone. The camera was better, the lighting was easier to control, and he landed the remote writing role.
Six years later, Rogers still takes job interviews on his phone—and he’s far from alone. But while Gen Z sees smartphones as efficient, hiring managers increasingly view them as a massive red flag.
The Smartphone Stigma
The debate blew up recently after Gen Z influencer Sophie Rocha went viral on TikTok for calling out the trend. After interviewing a job applicant who dialed in from their phone, Rocha admitted she was losing faith in her generation’s workplace habits.
The backlash was swift, with recruiters chiming in to share their own horror stories—including candidates taking interviews from bed.
According to long-time career coach Melissa Marcus, using a phone is an immediate giveaway.
The Aspect Ratio: Vertical video creates a distinct "FaceTime" look, shrinking the candidate on the recruiter's screen.
The Impression: Because phones are tied to personal life and laptops to work, using a handheld device signals a lack of effort.
The Reality: "Joining from your phone is incredibly disrespectful," Marcus says. "In this job market, interviews are precious."
Habit vs. Disrespect
Why is Gen Z opting for phones over computers? Career experts say it comes down to culture and access:
Tech Norms: Gen Z grew up smartphone-first. For many, a phone is their primary device.
The Digital Divide: According to Census Bureau and Pew Research data, while over 90% of high earners own laptops, only 59% of households making under $30,000 have one. Lower-income applicants rely almost entirely on mobile devices.
Post-COVID Blurring: Pandemic workplace rules softened traditional norms, making casual setups feel normal to entry-level workers.
When Is It Acceptable?
Context is everything. Career coach Lindsay Boccardo notes that taking a phone interview for a startup or social media role might pass as tech-savvy. Doing the same for a hedge fund or law firm will likely tank your chances.
Still, experts agree that older generations running the hiring process carry traditional expectations. If you don't know who is on the other side of the screen, playing it safe is the smartest strategy.
Bottom Line for Job Hunters: Unless you have no other option, ditch the phone. Ditching the vertical video, securing a laptop, and sitting in a quiet space with good lighting is still the safest way to land the job.