'I'd like to rescind my application': Offensive recruiter loses prospective employee over insulting email

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JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor
Dec 21, 2023 7:00 PM EST

In the immortal words of The Smiths, "I was looking for a job and then I found a job, and heaven knows I'm miserable now." Finding a job is one of life's most guaranteed miseries. Sending application after application, getting rejected left and right… it can take a toll on the spirit. It can feel so dire out there that when you get one bite, it feels like you have to bend over backward to accommodate it, no matter the circumstances. Even though they're the ones that need an employee, certain companies can make you feel like you're inconveniencing them by applying.

Such was the case in this recent Reddit post, where a rude and out-of-pocket email from a recruiter derailed the entire application process. In another set of immortal words (this time from Mean Girls), "I wish we could all get along." 

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  • 01
    r/antiwork u/hiturtleman • 2d to tip for employers: being an potential candidates is not a good way to get them to want to work with you
    via u/hiturtleman
  • 02
    Invitation to interview [Inbox Hi to me ✓ ●●● Hi I look forward to hearing from you. 8:35 AM Thank you for your application to work at ! I am writing to schedule an interview. I wonder if you are free on coming Monday, December 18th. Great slots for me would be 11.15AM EST; 11:45AM EST or 3PM EST. me 11:09 AM to 0 to me S 11:43 AM ●●● s Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately I will be at work from 8-4:30 on Monday through Thursday. I would be available for an interview later in the afternoon any
    via u/hiturtleman
  • 03
    Let me know what works for you! Hi to me ✓ 11:43 AM me 12:08 PM to D S Thanks for the quick reply. How about this: if you would like to work at in the future, ←Reply how about writing us a proper statement that speaks to why you want to work here and what skills and experience you have to share with our community and students. Once I have more to work with, we will schedule an interview. Does that sound ok? The letter you sent in was very generic and I'd appreciate more enthusiasm for working at
    via u/hiturtleman
  • 04
    Weak-Snow-4470 • 2d They got mad because you asked them for a different interview time instead of jumping at the opportunity to take one of their time slots. I know it's a cliche, but....you dodged a bullet.
    via u/Weak-Snow-4470
  • 05
    OutlandishnessOk9997 • 2d Any place with inflexible interview times is garbage. I learned this the hard way with my previous employer being like that lol
    via u/OutlandishnessOk9997
  • 06
    Orcus424 2d Inflexible interview times could mean that they run a skeleton crew and need to hire people immediately. Lots of restaurants and fast food joints are now running skeleton crews to save money. Owners want higher profit margins.
    via u/Orcus424
  • 07
    YerBoyGrix 2d "Your reasonable response clarifying your availability for an interview has communicated to me that you're not nearly as desperate as I would like you to be. I am infuriated by the lack of power disparity between our positions and now demand you polish my knob."
    via u/YerBoyGrix
  • 08
    Orisara • 2d I remember doing some talks for part time positions. When asked why part time I used to say "because I don't need the money." Not all but plenty of them changed attitudes when I said that.
    via u/Orisara
  • 09
    SammyKetto • 2d How did you manage to avoid calling them something awful? Good for you though, I also commend your restraint.
    via u/SammyKetto
  • 10
    Stumblecat • 2d No i go home They're filtering for people who will take their abuse.
    via u/Stumblecat
  • 11
    BostonTakeAway • 2d Good for you and that place. They need the position filled more than you need to work for them
    via u/BostonTakeAway
  • 12
    Dimarya276 2d I wonder if the owner of that company knows that their recruiter is talking to prospective employees in this way?
    via u/Dimarya276
  • 13
    cero1399 2d 11 ● Could be that its the owner himself, or a higher ranking manager (or yes the recruiter) thinking this, I'm not gonna stay longer at work unless I'm sure this is worth my time". Would explain the invitation during work hours but demanding extra for an afternoon interview
    via u/cero1399
  • 14
    kuda26 • 2d
    via u/kuda26
  • 15
    aimlessly-astray • 2d companies don't know how to hire. Say it louder for the people in the back! I was invited to an interview, and after going through my experience, the guy's like, "it's a little concerning you don't have [skill]." Well, why in the ever-loving did you call me in for an interview then?! Can you not | read my resume?! Because maybe if you had, you'd have noticed that skill wasn't on there!!! Good god, I've given up on companies having any semblance of competence. They're all mo
    via u/aimlessly-astray
  • 16
    Flamingpotato100. 2d The employers are the ones posting the listing. They're the ones that need the work done. It's funny you often get the question why should we hire you? My question is why should I work for you rather than any other employer who is also in need of my skill set? If the employer doesn't show enthusiasm in hiring me and my skill set that's nowhere I want to work at.
    via u/Flamingpotato100

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Tags

recruiter antiwork workplace-stories toxic-workplace job email revenge work reddit story emails recruiting workplace reddit thread Reddit job interview
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