Candidate shares nonsensical job application from toxic recruiter: 'Are you normal?'

Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor

Sep 13, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

No, potential employer: none of us are "normal."

Here is yet another example of why recruiters and human resources folks should simply not be allowed free rein to ask whatever they like. In an ideal world, job applications should be solely about one's resume and qualifications, and there should be an equal exchange of information. That means that on the other side, there should be transparency about expectations, salary, benefits, and workplace culture. I suppose the fact that the question of "are you normal?" signals exactly what kind of work environment this is: a toxic one.

Many folks in the comments section also pointed out exactly why this question is problematic. For instance, one has to wonder what they are getting at by asking about an applicant's ability to "act normal" and pick up the phone. Are they really asking about mental health? Are tey asking about an applicant's "cool" or "chill" persona like this is Greek life?

Keep scrolling below for the full story and for the best reactions. For more, check out this post about an employee's malicious compliance five years in the making.

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