Job candidate calls out hiring manager for overly excessive interview process, withdraws application in savage email: 'Don't let potential employers waste your time'

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Mar 13, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

If a potential employer is stringing you along during the application process, nine times out of ten, they will be a bad manager. If for whatever reason you feel targeted by that statement, perhaps it's time to rethink how you go about your hiring process. Of course, we understand that there are certain specific skills you might be looking for and you want to make sure your candidates are serious about the position. However, this is really something you can be crystal clear about from the get-go and during the first or second interview rounds. If you're still testing someone's skills by interview four or five, then let's be clear: it's not that you're unsure whether or not the candidate is the proper fit, but rather that you're completely unsure of what you want. 

This thread was posted to Reddit by u/JCarr110, who thankfully was already employed during this interview process and was in a privileged enough position to be able to withdraw his application and confront his potential new employer as to why. We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable turning down a potential opportunity like that or being so candid to the hiring manager. That being said, someone had to be this upfront. If not now, when, am I right?

Keep scrolling below for the full email and for the best reactions from folks in the comments, who shared their horrendously long interview stories. When you're done, check out this post about a drive thru worker who got caught stealing from customers.

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  • 01
    Don't let potential employers waste your time
    via u/JCarr110
  • 02
    Nathan, I've spent all night considering this, and to be up front, I'm getting some red flags on my end. Tomorrow would be interviews 4 & 5, but then would include further steps beyond that. I find this to be excessive, and generally indicates an employer is disorganized or indecisive.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 03
    I'm also getting the vibe that the position is not going to have a set end time, but rather a work until everything is done for the day situation. That would be a challenge for me, to not know what time I'd be done daily ahead of time. I also looked at company reviews from former employees, and they're frankly concerning.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 04
    I also came to realize there were 2 other employees who have failed in this position already. That doesn't speak very highly of potential job security, should I take the position.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 05
    That all being said, but if there's going to be that many more steps before an offer would hypothetically be made, then I'm going to have to respectfully withdraw my application. I am confident that I would do a good job in that role, but I'm not confident that the role would do a good job for me. I appreciate your time and wish you well on your search. Thanks again,
    via u/JCarr110
  • 06
    I am currently employed, but am searching for jobs that pay better. This job would have been massive pay increase, but the potential employer was very clearly wasting my time and I ended up withdrawing. Don't let potential employers treat you like they expect you to be desperate.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 07
    NazcaKhan 22 hr. ago There's just too many interviews and processes for hiring nowadays! It doesn't have to be this hard and it doesn't have to get the sign off of who knows how many levels above the hiring manager it winds up taking. 2 interviews max, maybe 3 if its senior leadership and don't take 60 or more days regardless. Hiring managers know when they have someone good and should be able to pull the trigger. In this case, kudos OP! Very professional, and I'm sorry you were dragged through
    via u/JCarr110
  • 08
    JCarr110 OP. 22 hr. ago Interview 3 was a 6-on- 1 interview that lasted 2 hours. 4 was supposed to be the last then a 5th was added and then 2 potential assessments after that. 1.2k Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 09
    Loud_Internet572 · 22 hr. ago "Why can't we find any applicants?!?" 511 Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 10
    tubagoat 21 hr. ago I really like your "It's not me, it's you" letter. 397 Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 11
    Significant-Baby-748. 22 hr. ago "No one wants to work anymore!" Honestly to put not just you, but I am presuming other candidates for this position as well, through round after round of this type of time consuming nonsense I would head for the hills as well. What type of leadership at this organization has this kind of time for an interviewing and hiring process like this?
    via u/JCarr110
  • 12
    You are correct to think that there are bigger issues with this organization. I'm guessing that the two people that left that position were fine at the job but management can't communicate what they want or don't know what they want with that role. 330 Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 13
    Catch Me If You Can09. 21 hr. ago I just had a "2nd interview" on Friday. It's in quotes cause they didn't tell me it was even an interview. We had a zoom interview the week before and they kept talking like it was to tour the building and get the offer letter. Nope.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 14
    Secondly the position they advertised for (and we had the zoom interview for) vs the one they discussed on Friday were 2 vastly different roles. I am kinda greatful they showed their true colors tho; saved me the headache later.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 15
    They were pretty adamant on getting my "absolute lowest salary you'll take" numbers. Joke was on then cause I gave them the highest option for that role in my area. HOWEVER given the differences between them, that salary was appropriate for the role they posted NOT the one they intend on filling.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 16
    Alot of head nodding till I left.....I plan on giving em a piece of my mind if they contact me again. (Pretty sure they will, but we'll see). 219 Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 17
    tehjoz 21 hr. ago Every single legitimately interview process I've ever been a part of from 2022 and prior was - Phone Screen w/ HR or TA 1-1 with Hiring Manager Third Stage, panel type interview, or so forth. That's it.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 18
    If I'm not applying for a management or senior level role, that's all you need. If your process goes beyond that, you are at best, wasting time and resources, or at worst, you're deluded and on a high horse.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 19
    Good for you! Everyone should mirror this approach. If it keeps happening enough, eventually, some of these people will get the message. 150 Reply Share ...
    via u/JCarr110
  • 20
    Harrigan_Raen. 22 hr. ago Anything beyond 3 is excessive. I typically anticipate 2 full interviews + some form of skills test (At most I expect the skills test to be roughly 2 hours). Depending on the complexity of the role/position/team size/etc I can understand a 3rd interview.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 21
    My current employer was 1 interview, 1 skills test. Hired. Between tweaking resume, application, interviews, and skills test. I am already in for about 5 hours of my time into their hiring process. And thats where/why I draw the line at 3. 125 Reply Share
    via u/JCarr110
  • 22
    Agitated-Pen1239 - 21 hr. ago I did something similar. Good pay (pay raise at that), schedule would of been great, the potential to be laid off was slim to none.
    via u/JCarr110
  • 23
    During my first of 2 interviews, I almost immediately got the ick. Lots of arrogance, seemed disorganized, list goes on. I went to the second interview and got the job offer the same day. I declined, they seemed confident I was going to accept, it was such a good feeling to decline. I also got ghosted immediately after, most employers I'd think would atleast ask "why?"
    via u/JCarr110
  • 24
    Don't settle for these trash places just because dit might temporarily help you. It is NOT worth in unless you absolutely need the money and nothing else.
    via u/JCarr110

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