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Irresponsible Recruiter Faces Rejection When Person Declines The Job Offer After They Failed To Be On Time For The Interview
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Irresponsible Recruiter Faces Rejection When Person Declines The Job Offer After They Failed To Be On Time For The Interview

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Searching for a decent job can be a huge hassle, but you can’t deny how great it feels to finally land yourself an interview.

Now, imagine you arrive just on time, ready to smash it, when suddenly you realize that there are eight other potential candidates still waiting for their turn. Well, the author of this tale doesn’t have to, as this is a real issue they recently faced!

More info: Reddit

Applicant arrives 5 minutes early for a scheduled job interview but ends up waiting over an hour to be seen

Image credits: RODNAE Productions (not the actual photo)

They get an offer but turn it down and brand the company “disrespectful” for not valuing their potential workers’ time

Image credits: Liza (not the actual photo)

Image credits: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA (not the actual photo)

Image source: Snoo-87328

Had a job offer today, I declined because of their actions” – this internet user took to one of Reddit’s work-related communities to tell its members a tale about how they recently had to turn down a job offer because of the recruiter’s tardiness. The post managed to garner nearly 8K upvotes as well as 377 comments discussing the situation.

It’s no big news that job-seeking isn’t always easy; I mean, once you’re on the hunt, chances are, it will take you months to secure a position in an appealing work environment! However, going through all the listings is, quite frankly, the least of your worries. 

The thing is, companies love to sugarcoat stuff. Salaries, job descriptions, responsibilities, hours, break times – it could be anything really. 

How many times have you heard a recruiter advertise their workplace as being like a “family,” for instance? They claim that it creates a motivating and morale-boosting environment, sort of pushing that movie-perfect family dynamic when, in reality, all you’ll probably get is a toxic high school relationship. 

It’s standard for employers to want productive and high-performing workers – the problem is, though, more often than not, they’re not willing to give you the same energy back. 

In fact, it’s become so normalized that we tend to forget that it’s a two-way service and not a frequently dubbed “day prison” with a sentence you’re legally obliged to serve. It’s vital to remember that you too are allowed to have that standard and not make a self-proclaimed convict out of yourself purely because you happen to exist in a world with a wage slavery quirk (unless there’s no other choice, of course, as sadly, many are doing whatever it takes to survive). 

Now, to paint a picture, did you know that according to a 2022 piece from Zippia – a website that provides online recruitment services – 50% of 1,000 American workers claimed that they dislike their jobs, with the leading factors in discontent being unfair pay, underappreciation, and lack of communication? 

Not a surprising statistic, but it still speaks volumes, eh? 

Shortly after, they receive an email saying that their application had been withdrawn due to a no-show

Image credits: RODNAE Productions (not the actual photo)

Well, the author of today’s story also dealt with some underappreciation – however, they were lucky to catch it rather quickly. 

Let’s do a quick recap. The applicant was set to have an interview at a warehouse at 13:30, yet when they arrived 5 minutes early, they noticed eight other potential employees that had already been waiting for half an hour. Of course, there’s always a possibility that there was an emergency, but can the red flag be any redder? 

Anyhow, more people had come during their wait, and at 14:45, they were finally called into the room, where they received an offer shortly after. 

Naturally, the hour and fifteen-minute wait provoked the original poster to draw some conclusions, and they decided to decline the proposal while also bringing the hiring manager’s attention to their lack of value toward potential candidates.  

According to the netizen, it was all done very peacefully – but as the cherry on top, to sort of conclude this puzzling encounter, in their second edit, the OP stated that a couple of days later, they received an email saying that their application had been withdrawn due to a no-show.  

Upon reading the tale, many Redditors shared their own experiences; a user that goes by u/JelliedCarcasses, for example, also happened to decline a job once because the interviewer was late and even dared to eat during the process. u/Inquisitor_Koto faced a questionable recruiter too, but their situation was much more alarming as their would-be coworkers and supervisor were “casually joking” about harassment. 

Others applauded the author for knowing their worth and even wondered if the company was trying to be clever by making folks wait and hiring the one who proved their “patience and thirst” for the job. 

What do you think about it?

Fellow online community members shared their thoughts and opinions on the matter

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jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always made sure I leave enough time to get to an interview. There was one time I had a 9am interview and got stuck in so much traffic. I was leaving messages to the recruiter. He got back to me just before 9 and said that the people interviewing me were also stuck in traffic so keep in touch and see how I progress. Got there at 10 and they arrived 15 mins later. Had a bit of a laugh about it. Also I have been interviewing people and sometimes they are late or just don't turn up. Some of the people who have been late without getting in contact were stuck in the Tube and there is no signal. Sometimes we will get a message that a candidate is stuck in traffic.

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

Dodged a bullet there -- that could have been his everyday wage slave experience

scarlet-patience avatar
Noname
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was taught to arrive to any appointment (job interview, Dr's appointment, etc) 10-15 minutes early so that you can calm down from the commute and fill in any necessary paperwork. In a Dr's office, it's generally a "given" that you'll have to wait. But today, I had a meeting with social services who not only kept me waiting an hour, but had lost my appointment, only to tell me that they had rescheduled my appointment to another date, and had me sent a letter 3 days in advance, which I had not received. Why they didn't call me to reschedule, I don't know. But if I had I been late as per the original letter sent to me, I would have been excouriated for my tardiness as I would have wasted their time. MY time is not considered as valuable.

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

I just declined a job offer because they don't allow time off for court dates, of all things.

klorinczi avatar
Klara Lorinczi
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

If your the defendant in the case, that might be the reason. Lesson: don’t admit to being a criminal at the interview.

Load More Replies...
amcgregor7419 avatar
Tams21
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sounds to me like they just expected people to queue for an interview. I don't think that that by itself is that bad, even if it's usually unnecessary. The mistake they made here is not being transparent with candidates, probably they thought people wouldn't show up.

kathyigou avatar
Kathy Igou
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An applicant for a position I had was a no-show. Boss made me call her (on speaker) bc one of the woman's references (her sister) was a big shot lawyer and former council-woman. It was obvious she just woke up but said she'd be there in 30 mins. Showed up in 45 with wildly unbelievable tale, yet the interview continued. Fortunately, the woman disclosed the many positions her former boss tried her in over the last 3 years before letting her go. My boss butted out. I said a little prayer for her former boss.

michelembennett1010att_net avatar
michele mbennett1010@att.net
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What job in a warehouse could possibly be worth that degree of disrespect? At the very least someone from the company should have made an appearance to let everyone know why the delay. Some of the candidates might have had additional appointments or commitments that were being put in jeopardy by this incredibly rude and unprofessional behavior.

signups avatar
Sam Standerwick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Valuing my time is something it’s taken me years to learn. If I have a meeting scheduled and key attendees are mor than 10mins late with no apology/ explanation I will leave. They can find a new slot in my diary. Similarly I rescheduled a dental hygienist appoint after waiting more than 15mins after my appointment time. They said a tool malfunction had them running late, I said if I turned up late because of roadworks/ flat tyre etc without calling them they wouldn’t see me. Given I was the paying client I wasn’t willing to wait longer. A few mins late with a reasonable explanation is fine but a wait of 10mins+ is devaluing the other attendees time.

sarawilson_2 avatar
Sara Wilson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I e always been amazed at how often this happens. I've had lunchtime job interviews, scheduled with the CLEAR expectation that the interview b on time due to my being respectful of my current job, which they agreed and appreciated. However, due to other candidates being late, mine was late. I was picking up my stuff to leave when they freaked out. I reminded them, so they offered to do a quick interview them. Previous candidates were late, which pushed everyone else back. Why would u interview them or at least make them wait and get everyone else done since they were there on time

brookeehanson avatar
Ladee Warrick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting, though also things that didn't happen. Seriously, there are many people waiting to interview still and they decide on this guy? Doubt it.

sbarber999 avatar
John Harrison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretending, for a moment, that this is something that actually happened, all it would mean was that he judged an entire company by a couple individuals.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which is not at all unreasonable. Like, why shouldn't be judge the company based on who the company sends to represent itself? What else should he judge the company by? Why should he continue with this company when so far he had ever indication that he's wasting his time with them? Also, how is this at all unbelievable? It happens all the time. I've had experiences that were just like this, almost to a T.

Load More Replies...
klorinczi avatar
Klara Lorinczi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently went to a job interview. I got stuck in traffic and was about 20 minutes late but I called the contact on the way to explain about traffic. She was very kind and understanding. I also temporarily forgot about off color jokes and made a joke about sexual harassment. I was convinced I blew the whole thing by being late but the interview went well anyway. To my shock & surprise, I was offered the job. Must have been my charm or their desperation - not sure but I’m happy. Seems like a nice group.

kenbeattie avatar
Ken Beattie
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think an interviewee has any right to be told why there was a delay. You're not part of the business yet, and hell it could have been for personal reasons. I think they deserve three things, updates from reception that the interview is delayed, an offer to reschedule at another time or choose to wait and an apology about the delay.

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....then everyone applauded. Why would you stay for the entire interview if you were going to just decline? This whole thing sounds like hogwash.

jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always made sure I leave enough time to get to an interview. There was one time I had a 9am interview and got stuck in so much traffic. I was leaving messages to the recruiter. He got back to me just before 9 and said that the people interviewing me were also stuck in traffic so keep in touch and see how I progress. Got there at 10 and they arrived 15 mins later. Had a bit of a laugh about it. Also I have been interviewing people and sometimes they are late or just don't turn up. Some of the people who have been late without getting in contact were stuck in the Tube and there is no signal. Sometimes we will get a message that a candidate is stuck in traffic.

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

Dodged a bullet there -- that could have been his everyday wage slave experience

scarlet-patience avatar
Noname
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was taught to arrive to any appointment (job interview, Dr's appointment, etc) 10-15 minutes early so that you can calm down from the commute and fill in any necessary paperwork. In a Dr's office, it's generally a "given" that you'll have to wait. But today, I had a meeting with social services who not only kept me waiting an hour, but had lost my appointment, only to tell me that they had rescheduled my appointment to another date, and had me sent a letter 3 days in advance, which I had not received. Why they didn't call me to reschedule, I don't know. But if I had I been late as per the original letter sent to me, I would have been excouriated for my tardiness as I would have wasted their time. MY time is not considered as valuable.

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

I just declined a job offer because they don't allow time off for court dates, of all things.

klorinczi avatar
Klara Lorinczi
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

If your the defendant in the case, that might be the reason. Lesson: don’t admit to being a criminal at the interview.

Load More Replies...
amcgregor7419 avatar
Tams21
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sounds to me like they just expected people to queue for an interview. I don't think that that by itself is that bad, even if it's usually unnecessary. The mistake they made here is not being transparent with candidates, probably they thought people wouldn't show up.

kathyigou avatar
Kathy Igou
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An applicant for a position I had was a no-show. Boss made me call her (on speaker) bc one of the woman's references (her sister) was a big shot lawyer and former council-woman. It was obvious she just woke up but said she'd be there in 30 mins. Showed up in 45 with wildly unbelievable tale, yet the interview continued. Fortunately, the woman disclosed the many positions her former boss tried her in over the last 3 years before letting her go. My boss butted out. I said a little prayer for her former boss.

michelembennett1010att_net avatar
michele mbennett1010@att.net
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What job in a warehouse could possibly be worth that degree of disrespect? At the very least someone from the company should have made an appearance to let everyone know why the delay. Some of the candidates might have had additional appointments or commitments that were being put in jeopardy by this incredibly rude and unprofessional behavior.

signups avatar
Sam Standerwick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Valuing my time is something it’s taken me years to learn. If I have a meeting scheduled and key attendees are mor than 10mins late with no apology/ explanation I will leave. They can find a new slot in my diary. Similarly I rescheduled a dental hygienist appoint after waiting more than 15mins after my appointment time. They said a tool malfunction had them running late, I said if I turned up late because of roadworks/ flat tyre etc without calling them they wouldn’t see me. Given I was the paying client I wasn’t willing to wait longer. A few mins late with a reasonable explanation is fine but a wait of 10mins+ is devaluing the other attendees time.

sarawilson_2 avatar
Sara Wilson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I e always been amazed at how often this happens. I've had lunchtime job interviews, scheduled with the CLEAR expectation that the interview b on time due to my being respectful of my current job, which they agreed and appreciated. However, due to other candidates being late, mine was late. I was picking up my stuff to leave when they freaked out. I reminded them, so they offered to do a quick interview them. Previous candidates were late, which pushed everyone else back. Why would u interview them or at least make them wait and get everyone else done since they were there on time

brookeehanson avatar
Ladee Warrick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting, though also things that didn't happen. Seriously, there are many people waiting to interview still and they decide on this guy? Doubt it.

sbarber999 avatar
John Harrison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretending, for a moment, that this is something that actually happened, all it would mean was that he judged an entire company by a couple individuals.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which is not at all unreasonable. Like, why shouldn't be judge the company based on who the company sends to represent itself? What else should he judge the company by? Why should he continue with this company when so far he had ever indication that he's wasting his time with them? Also, how is this at all unbelievable? It happens all the time. I've had experiences that were just like this, almost to a T.

Load More Replies...
klorinczi avatar
Klara Lorinczi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently went to a job interview. I got stuck in traffic and was about 20 minutes late but I called the contact on the way to explain about traffic. She was very kind and understanding. I also temporarily forgot about off color jokes and made a joke about sexual harassment. I was convinced I blew the whole thing by being late but the interview went well anyway. To my shock & surprise, I was offered the job. Must have been my charm or their desperation - not sure but I’m happy. Seems like a nice group.

kenbeattie avatar
Ken Beattie
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think an interviewee has any right to be told why there was a delay. You're not part of the business yet, and hell it could have been for personal reasons. I think they deserve three things, updates from reception that the interview is delayed, an offer to reschedule at another time or choose to wait and an apology about the delay.

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....then everyone applauded. Why would you stay for the entire interview if you were going to just decline? This whole thing sounds like hogwash.

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