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Job search is not an easy task in general especially when you’re straight out of college, as employers expect years of experience or else they send you straight down the road of internships. And finding the most suitable job may as well be a form of art. But who the hell is it out there looking for potential employees and trying out how far the limits be pushed? It’s mind blowing how some companies have outrageous expectations from the future hires while setting up some ridiculous conditions. And really, these ads are out there to remind us that if everything fails at least your sense of humour will still be there out  when it will come to facing the most horrendous employers. For its 139k subscribers this Reddit thread, Recruiting Hell, brings the hottest job offers out there - now, whether you’re ready to take up those jobs or not is your choice.

Bored Panda picked a few best worst recruitment fails out there from the popular Reddit community. These 28 emails, ads and job applications show that the hiring process will strip you off your dignity, pay you in experience and make fun of you. Recruiters are there to give you life advice and tell you in general what to do and not, even when it comes to using the bathroom. They’re there to question your experience, sanity and make you doubt their common sense. And although there are lots of profesional people in the industry, but this time brace yourselves for not the kindest ones. This is a list that anyone who has ever looked for a job or offered one can relate to, so you can share with us your recruitment hell stories below! 

#1

When Employer Was Not Supposed To Attach A Message

When Employer Was Not Supposed To Attach A Message

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#2

Your Science Degree Will Be Perfect To Work At Our Restaurant

Your Science Degree Will Be Perfect To Work At Our Restaurant

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#3

Looking For 'Cold And Robotic' Person

Looking For 'Cold And Robotic' Person

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#4

No Jeffreys Allowed

No Jeffreys Allowed

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benjaminrichmond avatar
hey, not my problem
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a guess: when you are making a search engine, as for a database, there needs to be a code word which the computer will know means 'zero' or 'nothing there'. It is usually 'null', but some companies have a person with the surname Null, so it has been changed in this case to jeffrey

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#5

When Our Company Doesn't Believe In Experience, But Actually, You Should Have It

When Our Company Doesn't Believe In Experience, But Actually, You Should Have It

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#6

We Cannot Provide You With Feedback, But We Would Be Keen To Hear Your Feedback

We Cannot Provide You With Feedback, But We Would Be Keen To Hear Your Feedback

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#7

You Should Be Loyal Just To One Job Opportunity

You Should Be Loyal Just To One Job Opportunity

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ruthmayfly avatar
Ruth Mayfly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really nice of him to put all the giant red flags out in the open for everyone to see.

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#8

We Found Our Match And It's You With Your...

We Found Our Match And It's You With Your...

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#9

Good Looks Are A Requirement

Good Looks Are A Requirement

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miriamemendelson avatar
Mimi M
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is ironic is that what other companies do under the table (hire based on looks or other external consideration), this company admits openly, so at least you know what you are dealing with. Doesn't make it right, of course.

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#11

When The Company Makes You Post Good Reviews

When The Company Makes You Post Good Reviews

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kaching12 avatar
Lexi Mitchell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

12 hour shifts with no breaks but only a 30 minute lunch is illegal. You’re actually entitled to two 30-minute breaks if your shift is that long, iirc.

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#12

When You Withdrew Your Job Application But HR Wants To Make Sure It Rejected You

When You Withdrew Your Job Application But HR Wants To Make Sure It Rejected You

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#13

When The Boss Is Rude, But Perhaps You Are Still Interested In The Job

When The Boss Is Rude, But Perhaps You Are Still Interested In The Job

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michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In other words, "I was even ruder to the other candidates so you're the only one who hasn't explicitly vowed never to work here".

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#14

When You Put In Your Time And Get 100%, But You Still Get Rejected

When You Put In Your Time And Get 100%, But You Still Get Rejected

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stefaniepatterson avatar
BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wants someone who gets a perfect score... Makes a mistake in the first sentence

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#15

When You Must Have A Job In Order To Apply

When You Must Have A Job In Order To Apply

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#16

The Rejection Of Your Application Was An Error And Still Is

The Rejection Of Your Application Was An Error And Still Is

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rogiyi6271 avatar
Lord Ponsonby
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry we rejected you by mistake. Now we do it properly. It's an advanced version of the sibling game, 'stop hitting yourself'

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#17

Junior Senior Software Developer Wanted

Junior Senior Software Developer Wanted

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ruthmayfly avatar
Ruth Mayfly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Senior developer: "Candidates must have at least 2 previous lifetimes experience of..."

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#18

But You're Applying For A Digital Marketing Role

But You're Applying For A Digital Marketing Role

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terybriggs avatar
Mama Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember being asked a silly question like this at an interview once. It was "If you could be a box of cereal, which brand and why?". My answer was fruit loops because I would be one if I continued the interview. She was dumbfounded when I got up and left.

michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Golden like a stream of warm bat p*ss..." --- Monty Python, Oscar Wilde + GB Shaw + James Joyce sketch.

gabi0horvath avatar
Gabi
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got a similar question at a job interview. "How would you describe a child to an alien?" I was flabbergasted and could not think of any logical answers. Jow do you describe a child to an alien? Well, most probably screaming and running and trying to find the first good hiding spot, eff it.

iamdanezhaface avatar
Among Us
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"A tiny version of me, running around and trying to kill itself and you have to prevent it."

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roxana-djh avatar
Just another bot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh. I used to hate it when one of the managers I worked with came up with stuff like this in interviews, to "see more of their personality", thinking she could "sense" the right candidate straight away. No. She was not a psychologist. Just use the objective selection criteria we used for everyone else, thank you.

rahsoft avatar
Rah Soft
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

" I used to hate it when one of the managers I worked with came up with stuff like this in interviews, to "see more of their personality", thinking she could "sense" the right candidate straight away" It means they have been reading the latest self help book promoted on a website or Sunday magazine without actually understanding the nuances of it.

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These questions...the one I used to keep seeing was "if you were an animal, wat would you be and why?". Asked about that one at a job I had, apparently it's in a lot of interview books and the answer they want is a dog due to loyalty, hard work, and a willingness to work hard for little reward.

confred78 avatar
Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, dammit... i'd have said a cat. But that would probably have been a baaad choice. "Feels superior but sleeps the hole day" 😁

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robertjarvis avatar
Alloydog
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was once asked "What animal would you be?" I said I want to be a lizard, because who wants to slave away in an office all day when instead you could laze out in the sun, eating the occasional bug. The lady gave a very unsure "OK" in reply and two days later, I got the job :D

presneill avatar
Bethan Coleman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For 15+ years my current employer has used the question "if you were a fruit or vegetable what would it be and why?". I even got asked it when I was interviewed for an internal vacancy.

sleepyhead_1 avatar
Sleepyhead
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s crazy, but I actually thought about this when our cafeteria made breakfast salsas. I guess I’d be a mango because they’re bright and sweet and surprisingly hairy. I’m just looking for my habanero, man.

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Benjamin Lensgraf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yellow is the color you feel on your arms on a warm sunny summer day

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delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was applying for a high school science teaching position. I was asked in 15 minutes to write how I could solve Global Warming through my teaching. Holy sh*t.

lailahernandez avatar
Laila Hernandez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know when somebody asks you to do something impossible? This is that.

alanwilkening avatar
Earl Grey
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Don’t eat the yellow snow.” - Frank Zappa

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THAT’S the way to describe yellow: The snow you don’t want to use to make snow cream!

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genesisrosapereira avatar
Fan-tastic panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I would describe the colour yellow as... yellow, or yellow maybe.

crahnamai avatar
PeachPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't believe in this BS. My company forced all employees to take the Myers Briggs personality tests. MB claims only 2% of the population are INFJ. If INFJ is so rare, then why were 5 out of 6 people on my team alone were INFJ? They were not testing the right group of people.

iuliacorina2 avatar
Juririn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm INFJ-A, based on those. But I did not think it's rare or any big deal. Anyway, those tests can be faked if you have some degree of introspection, I believe.

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m-alharbash29 avatar
thisisanalt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Yellow is the warm sun while a cool breeze blows on your face. Yellow is exciting without being loud or angry." "It is a warm, soft color, like a baby chick, or the warmth of sunlight in springtime streaming through a window warming up a patch on the carpet." (Searched it up)

mrsb4905 avatar
Lindsey Judd-Bruder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of a pair of scenes from the old movie "Mask: The Rocky Dennis Story", a true story about a young man born with a heart of gold, but, unfortunately, also a condition which caused severe facial deformities. In the scenes, Rocky, played by Eric Stoltz, was trying to describe a beautiful day to a female friend, who had been blind from birth. Blue sky, white puffy clouds, green grass. But of course, she doesn't understand colors. So in the next scene, after he's thought about it for a bit, (in the kitchen of the blind camp where he works/met the girl), he takes a dirty potato, hands it to her, and has her inhale the earthen scent, & says, "This is green." Then he takes another, hot potato, from a pot, hands it to her, and says, "This is red." A cold one from the freezer, "This is blue." And some cotton balls, "This is white. And puffy." The girl understands, & is so happy. And he is, too. It's a really great movie. Really sad, too. But really great.

mrsb4905 avatar
Lindsey Judd-Bruder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Side note, in asking this question, perhaps the interviewer is looking to get an idea of the person's creative thought process? Just an idea. Still a weird question.

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rahsoft avatar
Rah Soft
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please describe the colour yellow to a blind person... 570–590 nm

rahsoft avatar
Rah Soft
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My current employer likes the play the blue cow vs brown cow thinking mentality( and yet is incapable of doing the most basic maintenance such as ensuring staff have a fully functional working toilet)

anne-karina avatar
Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The colour yellow is the colour of what the sun feels like. duh

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Penny Kemper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it.... how creative are you and how good are you at putting that into words.

heathervance avatar
AzKhaleesi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hand them a flower and tell them the cheer they feel is yellow

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#19

When One Job Requires A Lot Of Your Time

When One Job Requires A Lot Of Your Time

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Joshua Nowell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i just want to point out the IQ requirement. it is pretty rare for someone to have an IQ of over 135. obviously the person who made this want everyone else to be smarter that him.

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#20

Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum

Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum

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#21

When You Get Rejected After 3 Years Of Waiting

When You Get Rejected After 3 Years Of Waiting

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michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely careful considerations! I'd have let it slide by mid-2020 but not them!

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#22

You Eat What?

You Eat What?

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kaching12 avatar
Lexi Mitchell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I only eat what I kill, then I should be allowed to bring a gun, paring knife, and fire starting kit into the office. In case I forget my lunch and BRENDA won’t shut up about her stupid kids again.

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#24

If You Get Distracted, If You Need More Than Two Short Breaks, If You Call In Sick, This Job Is Not For You

If You Get Distracted, If You Need More Than Two Short Breaks, If You Call In Sick, This Job Is Not For You

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michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disagree here.The title claims "if you call in sick", what is written is "if you always call in sick around the weekend" --- pretty different. They mostly give you very good pointers how to ace the job interview (read people's intentions from their statements, that's half the test) / attitude you want. What's written here is far less than what most companies actually demand.

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#25

When You're Totally Meeting All Of The Requirements

When You're Totally Meeting All Of The Requirements

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Ruth Mayfly
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your knees tremble when someone foists extra tasks on you. You swoon when asked to do unpaid overtime. You have a secret fetish for boring meetings.

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#26

We Reject You, But Why Don't You Give Us A Follow?

We Reject You, But Why Don't You Give Us A Follow?

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troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This standard company ad sounds offensive in context. "Real people and real opportunities here. That's not you."

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#27

We Are Looking Forward To When We Can Hire You, But Not Now

We Are Looking Forward To When We Can Hire You, But Not Now

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