Hiring manager demands candidate send a “thank-you video” to the team after their interview, candidate refuses: ‘That’s one way to filter out people with dignity’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Nov 7, 2025 8:00 PM EST

While interviewing for a new job, one hears a lot of strange requests that they don't quite know how to deal with.

We've heard of job candidates given assignments that are basically doing the job for the company, and we've heard of people being interviewed on Zoom while the hiring manager was vacationing in Thailand. You never know what or who you will be meeting when you land an interview for a new job, but one thing is for sure – the possibilities are endless.

The job candidate in the story below experienced what we think is a first, because we have never heard of this type of request. After their first round of interviews, the hiring manager asked them to send in a "thank-you video" to the team to express their gratitude and reiterate their interest in their role. The job candidate thought this was a weird request, so they politely declined, only to be told they cannot proceed with the hiring process without the video. 

How would you rate this request on the scale of weird interview moments? Keep scrolling to read the full tale and share in the comments below.

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    Cheezburger Image 10573036800
    via DragonImages

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    They wanted me to send a “thank-you video”

    Got an email after a first- round interview saying: "As part of our process, we ask all candidates to record a short video thanking the
    via Upbeat-Shower-5331
  • 03
    team for their time and reiterating your interest in the role." So... a thank-you video. Like a fan submission.
    via Upbeat-Shower-5331
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    I politely replied saying I was happy to send a written note but uncomfortable recording a video for an interview process.
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    They responded, "We only move forward with candidates who complete all steps."
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  • 06
    So I didn't. And I guess that's one way to filter out people with dignity.
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  • 07
    PaintWonderful2178 "Thank-you video" is insane. What's next, a reaction vlog when they reject you?
    via PaintWonderful2178
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    whatidoidobc If I were on a hiring committee that requested that, I would do everything in my power to embarrass whoever's idea that was.
    via whatidoidobc
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    Aggravating-One2200 That's not dignity. That's mining free PR content. Gross.
    via Aggravating-One2200
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    ACleverPortmanteau Can you imagine them, as part of a weekly staff meeting, saying "OK, now it's time for us to watch thank-you videos from people you've never met nor will ever see again-pay attention because it's the only appreciation you get at this job. Joe, hit the lights."
    via ACleverPortmanteau
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    Cheezburger Image 10573036544
    via filadendron

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Wastedyouth86 Dance monkey dance.. i wont do intro videos so they can swing for a thank you video
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  • 13
    goibster They are using those videos for something 100%.
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    yourheinitz Lmao. I'd tell them to go fuck their hats. I'll thank em in person when I get the job.
    via yourheinitz
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    Agitated-Actuary-195 I got asked to develop a project approach that would effectively solve all the issues they outlined - these were live and current issues for the business... | "politely" told them, absolutely bloody not...
    via Agitated-Actuary-195
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    ArtsyCoastFi Sounds like a perfect setup to send them a rick roll.
    via ArtsyCoastFi
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    Critical_Control_405 name and shame the company
    via Critical_Control_405

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workplace-stories employee manager job hiring manager tales-from-the-workplace job candidate reddit story workplace Reddit company job interview interview funny
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