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Job hunting is one of the toughest jobs there is. It requires both skill and luck, with an infinite amount of positive attitude which keeps you going through piles of motivation letters and hours of interviews.

The truth is, job seekers are much more likely to receive a rejection letter rather than congratulations. No matter how good they are, sometimes it’s just not a match.

But never underestimate the way that hiring managers tell the sad news to their rejected applicants. While some provide genuinely helpful feedback and motivate you in your search, others do the exact opposite.

Today we look at the most infuriating and wild rejection letters, emails, and messages that make you kind of happy for these people who got away without a job there.

#1

It's Brutal Out Here

It's Brutal Out Here

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A Bi-Cycle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here’s a translation: “we didn’t like how you stood up for yourself and didn’t mindlessly submit so we’re not hiring you.”

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To find out more about job rejections, as well as why so many candidates are ghosted by recruiters, we spoke with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, the CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts and best-selling author of seven books, including a global bestseller Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters (Career Press, 2019), who shared some interesting insights.

#2

"Elizabeth, *wink* *wink*" Slew Me

"Elizabeth, *wink* *wink*" Slew Me

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Brittania Kelli
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I need to meet this Mr. Jones, pretty sure he's my soul mate. eBay feedback as a reference, just brilliant.

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#3

Rejected From An Internship For Not Having Enough Experience

Rejected From An Internship For Not Having Enough Experience

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BewilderedBanana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is indeed an oxymoron, unlike the person who sent you that email who is simply a moron

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Dr. Gleb explained that the worst way to reject a job candidate is to not provide any feedback or communication at all, leaving the candidate wondering about the outcome of their application. “This lack of professionalism can harm the company's reputation and cause frustration for the candidate. It is always better to provide a timely and respectful rejection notice, even if it is brief, so that the candidate can move forward in their job search,” he said.

#4

Ph.d. Maths Student Rejected For Not Show Not Having 3 Hours Of Calc On Their Transcript

Ph.d. Maths Student Rejected For Not Show Not Having 3 Hours Of Calc On Their Transcript

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#5

Did They Want You To Get A Pager Also?

Did They Want You To Get A Pager Also?

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#6

Actress Is Rejected A Role For Being Deaf, However They Ask Her To Teach The Chosen Actress How To Act Deaf

Actress Is Rejected A Role For Being Deaf, However They Ask Her To Teach The Chosen Actress How To Act Deaf

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There are a variety of reasons why a candidate can be ghosted, including high volume of applicants. Dr. Gleb explained that “When dealing with a large number of applicants, it can be challenging for recruiters to respond individually to each one, especially if they lack the resources or staff.”

Sometimes, applicants never hear back from the recruiters due to the time constraints. “Recruiters may prioritize filling open positions over providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates, as they are often under pressure to find the right candidate quickly.”

In other cases, legal concerns may be at play. “Some recruiters may avoid providing feedback to avoid potential legal issues, such as discrimination claims or misunderstandings about the reasons for rejection.”

#7

Company Asking For Feedback On Their Recruitment Process While Not Giving Me Feedback On Why I Was Rejected:

Company Asking For Feedback On Their Recruitment Process While Not Giving Me Feedback On Why I Was Rejected:

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Last but not least, the organizational culture can be the reason why an applicant is ghosted by the company they applied to. Dr. Gleb argues that the company's culture might not prioritize or value communication with unsuccessful candidates and that’s why candidate ghosting occurs.

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The good news is that it is possible to reduce the chances of being ghosted as a candidate. Dr. Gleb’s advice is to not forget a follow-up. “Send a follow-up email a week or two after submitting the application or completing an interview, as it may prompt a response from the recruiter.”

Being proactive is also the way to go. “Keep in touch with the recruiter throughout the application process, without being overly persistent.”

#10

This Was My Rejection Email From Meta. “Meta Is A Great Company”??? I’ve Never Seen A Recruiter This Disrespectful And Unprofessional

This Was My Rejection Email From Meta. “Meta Is A Great Company”??? I’ve Never Seen A Recruiter This Disrespectful And Unprofessional

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Jason
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean they lied in the title of the email. What did your expect the contents to look like.

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#12

Oops

Oops

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rowdieangel avatar
RowdieAngel
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my former brother in law left his position as a literal rocket scientist - that he excelled at, per their consistent feedback- because he was having to relocate for personal reasons. circumstances changed and he ended up not having to move and applied for his as yet unfilled position. only to get rejected for not having enough experience. to fill HIS position 🙄

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Dr. Gleb also stressed the importance of networking. His advice is to establish connections with company employees through LinkedIn or other professional networks, as they may be able to provide updates on the hiring process or put in a good word for you.

And last tip for not getting ghosted as a candidate is to make sure you stand out. “Make your application as strong as possible, highlighting relevant skills and experiences, to increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.”

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#13

Excuse Me? Huh? Rejected Because Of This?

Excuse Me? Huh? Rejected Because Of This?

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#15

We're Looking For Some Specific Skills

We're Looking For Some Specific Skills

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censorshipsucks
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

rude, I'd at least tell the candidate to go get one or something...

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Often, however, no matter how much you stand out during a job interview, you still get rejected. Job rejections maybe very difficult to handle, especially if the candidate is going above and beyond to make a good impression, prepare for the interview questions, and do everything it takes to get a position.

Dr. Gleb’s advice for dealing with job rejections is to stay positive and to recognize that rejection is a part of the job search process, and not a reflection of your worth as a person or professional.

#16

Come On Man

Come On Man

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Jason
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah man I had the same. Client facing told if I wanted the job I had to lose the goatee. Shaved it off that night. Got rejected.

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#17

Rejected From Cat Sitting

Rejected From Cat Sitting

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#18

Rejection Letter For A Us Remote Job. Company Thought New Mexico Was "International"

Rejection Letter For A Us Remote Job. Company Thought New Mexico Was "International"

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“If possible, ask for feedback from the recruiter and use it to improve your application materials and interview skills,” Dr. Gleb said and added that it’s important to “continue to search and apply for jobs that align with your skills, experiences, and interests.”

Moreover, Dr. Gleb suggests expanding your network. “Use this opportunity to meet new people, attend industry events, or join professional organizations to increase your visibility in the job market.”

Last but not least, advice on dealing with job rejection is to consider alternative paths. “Reevaluate your career goals and explore different industries or roles that may be more suited to your skills and interests.”

#21

Not As Inspiring As They Probably Hoped

Not As Inspiring As They Probably Hoped

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Ponypower
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well... it kinda seems like one of the better rejection letters I have seen.

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#23

Thanks I Guess

Thanks I Guess

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LK
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For goodness sake, why would a person give such a flippant answer to an interview question?!

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#24

If You Apply Using A Cv You'll Be Automatically Rejected 🙄🙄

If You Apply Using A Cv You'll Be Automatically Rejected 🙄🙄

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durchanek_1 avatar
Happy Quokka
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We did something similar by specifically asking for CVs in PDF. At least half people ignored it and attached a Word document (and yes, this was an office position where it was perfectly reasonable to expect that candidates know how to handle this).

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#25

So I Received An Email About A Role From This Recruiter. I Messaged Back Saying I’m Interested And Then Got This I Reply.....why!!

So I Received An Email About A Role From This Recruiter. I Messaged Back Saying I’m Interested And Then Got This I Reply.....why!!

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Auli Riot
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blanket email sent out to anyone with any kind of notes on experience in the field. Recruiters don't even read profiles man, they just send out applications to hundreds and then look into the people the reply. At which point they realise they've asked people that don't have what's needed to fill the job role. Ridiculous.

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#26

Josh Wasn't Speaking Financially

Josh Wasn't Speaking Financially

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#27

Got This Email, Two Months After Actually Starting With The Company

Got This Email, Two Months After Actually Starting With The Company

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Jason
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I received similar from my current job but it's because they placed me at another team starting

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#28

This Rejection I Received After Working On A Take-Home Challenge For A Week. Still Angers Me Today How Rudely They Responded

This Rejection I Received After Working On A Take-Home Challenge For A Week. Still Angers Me Today How Rudely They Responded

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#29

Saw This Beautiful Rejection On Linkedin!

Saw This Beautiful Rejection On Linkedin!

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#30

I Had A Job Interview That I Was Rejected From. I Have 4 Years Experience. Does This Read Like It's Minimizing My Experience?

I Had A Job Interview That I Was Rejected From. I Have 4 Years Experience. Does This Read Like It's Minimizing My Experience?

I almost had a stroke reading it. The icing on top of the cake was during my interview with the manager and him telling me "there's always more jobs out there!" before the call ended. I knew I wasn't picked from that line alone.

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#32

We Rejected You Because You Didn’t Send A Thank You Note

We Rejected You Because You Didn’t Send A Thank You Note

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Aidan Campbell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are the ones who took time from our day, sorted out our suit and had to pay for transport to get there.

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#33

Thank You For The Personalized Rejection

Thank You For The Personalized Rejection

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#34

Nice. Rejection Email Six Months After Applying. Reasonable Timeframe To Get Back To An Applicant, Don't You Think?

Nice. Rejection Email Six Months After Applying. Reasonable Timeframe To Get Back To An Applicant, Don't You Think?

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Jessica Specht
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can understand maybe 2 weeks to respond with a rejection, but anything longer than that means I probably don't want to work with such a disorganized company that takes MONTHS to reject my application.

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#35

I Literally Applied Over Two Years Ago

I Literally Applied Over Two Years Ago

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i_like_boats
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

two years? that’s just stupid. What were those guys doing? Performing a two-year-long cave ritual on an island in Norway?

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Note: this post originally had 44 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.