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Landing a job these days is much more complicated than it was around a decade ago. In a 2023 survey, 70% of 1,500 job seekers admitted they needed to put in more effort than usual, and 67% found their recent job searches more difficult than their previous ones. 

Dealing with incompetent, inconsiderate recruiters can be a more frustrating experience for job seekers. This list of screenshots of email and text exchanges between talent acquisition professionals and candidates revolves around that theme. 

They’re all from the Recruiting Hell subreddit, a safe place where job hunters can share their woes and grievances. 

If you’ve been through an exasperating job hunt, these stories may make you feel empathy or echo the same annoyance these people felt. 

#1

Found This On Linkedin, Thought It Probably Belongs Here...lol

Found This On Linkedin, Thought It Probably Belongs Here...lol

skullnuggets Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Solid Advice

    Solid Advice

    Adriendel Report

    Paulina
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That went to unexpected, positive direction!

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    #3

    Seen In NYC, Are They Starting To Understand?

    Seen In NYC, Are They Starting To Understand?

    ZakA77ack Report

    The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the Great Resignation when people left their jobs en masse in the spring of 2021. This resulted in a labor shortage, leading to companies scrambling for workers and offering various perks and benefits. 

    But that was three years ago, and the job market has since shifted to a point where companies have become more conscious about costs. If you want to boost your chances of getting hired, you must reframe your thinking, says Bert Bean, CEO of staffing firm Insight Global. 

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    That change in approach may include skill development. According to Forbes, online courses and workshops are ways to gain valuable and relevant experiences.

    #4

    Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

    Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

    Background_Touchdown , mattwallaert Report

    Mariaf
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they will hire because promoting would mean losing somebody who actually knows how to do the job and is a good leader accepted by the whole team as such and we can never have people like that in management.

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    #5

    Someone Pls Try It And Tell Me If It Worked

    Someone Pls Try It And Tell Me If It Worked

    maramara18 Report

    Lady of Shalott
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mean I've been working with a smile for without charging extra this whole time?!

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    #6

    Felt So Good To Talk Back For Once

    Felt So Good To Talk Back For Once

    sabasena Report

    A global recession loomed in 2023, frightening companies and urging them to pause the expansion of their workforce. According to Glassdoor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, many businesses continue to live in that fear. 

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    “They don’t want to overhire into a recession and then have to lay people off,” Zhao told CNBC. 

    As a possible solution, Bean advises looking into other industries that have increased their hiring efforts in the past few months. These include healthcare, government, and construction.

    #7

    Just Stop Please

    Just Stop Please

    Zaiik Report

    Sabrina Longo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Minimum wage, part time, no benefits but must have a masters. We're all going to die.

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    #8

    Recruiter Moment

    Recruiter Moment

    [deleted] Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I'm looking for work I'm applying EVERYWHERE. I'm not going to twiddle my thumbs while someone hmms and haws over my resume for two weeks.

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    #9

    "How I Got A Job At Big 4 Being In My 20s."

    "How I Got A Job At Big 4 Being In My 20s."

    IndieDiscovery Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is exactly how Donald Trump got every job he ever had before The Apprentice. That may be the only job he EVER interviewed for.

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    If you’re fresh out of college, landing a job would be an uphill battle in 2024. According to research by SHL Global, companies are downsizing their hiring of new graduates by 5.8% in 2024. The reason: AI is slowly replacing entry-level jobs. 

    But surprisingly, it hasn’t deterred the optimism of graduates from honing their skills and building a career. Handshake’s report noted, “[Graduates] are clear on their priorities—stability, location, and an employer’s reputation as a great place to work.”

    #11

    Damn, That Felt Good!

    Damn, That Felt Good!

    closedmouthsdonteat Report

    #12

    And Being Told "You're At The Upper Salary Band"

    And Being Told "You're At The Upper Salary Band"

    supercitrusfruit Report

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    You may want to narrow down your choices if the job market is overly saturated. In a viral TikTok video, recruiter Kourtlynn Faith advises being more intentional about your approach to the job search. 

    Instead of applying for multiple roles in every LinkedIn job opening in your industry, Faith recommends going after specific roles you know you would be a good fit for. A more strategic approach may boost your chances of landing a job that suits you best.

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    #13

    Solid Advice From The Man Himself

    Solid Advice From The Man Himself

    EliasAinzworth , Adam_Karpiak Report

    Sven Horlemann
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah. But then it is already too late, as you are sitting in the damn interview.

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    #14

    Beautiful Text Exchange With A Recruiter

    Beautiful Text Exchange With A Recruiter

    meganisawesome42 Report

    #15

    Oh No It’s Totally Cool, I Love Booking 3 Separate Meetings To Be Bailed On Each Time By Someone With Crap Grammar

    Oh No It’s Totally Cool, I Love Booking 3 Separate Meetings To Be Bailed On Each Time By Someone With Crap Grammar

    grandoldduke500 Report

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a bit harsh if one's internet crashes. The smart ones will use their mobile as a point of presence if required.

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    We’d also like to hear from you, readers. Have you been in a frustrating job search where a recruiter made it more difficult for you? If so, how did you handle the situation? Let us know in the comments!

    #16

    Ayo This Lady Working For UPS Really Tried To Get Free Labor Out Of Me Lol

    Ayo This Lady Working For UPS Really Tried To Get Free Labor Out Of Me Lol

    Internal_Gift_185 Report

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha! Well done. We need to be bold like that

    JK
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Last week I had a call from a recruiter. She was clearly young and inexperienced. When she started asking about children and marital status, I told her she was violating federal law and should bone up on it. I have an interview with them in a few days.

    Eric Soliday
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've only seen companies paying a lesser wage during the training process. This is normal. But not for free.

    Pencil McGovern
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She shouldn't have been so mean to clowns. ;)

    ZestyBison
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Giving me a tour during an interview is vastly different than tagging along for several hours on route.

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    #17

    Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

    Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

    SpaceMyopia Report

    #18

    Listen Up!

    Listen Up!

    misticpoetry Report

    Zaach
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The place I worked in Tucson was bought out - new workers were making more than their managers; when complaints were lodged, HR responded "the squeaky wheel gets fired"

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    #19

    I'm Tired Of Recruiters Avoiding My Questions And Playing Dumb

    I'm Tired Of Recruiters Avoiding My Questions And Playing Dumb

    reddrick Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate this game!! Just tell us the salary range up front!!!!!

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    #20

    Aaaahhh I Can't Wait To Have This Feeling

    Aaaahhh I Can't Wait To Have This Feeling

    astral_soul Report

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    #21

    Oao

    Oao

    ItsRiyu Report

    Steve Robert
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boss: Come back! I'm buying pizza for everyone!

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    #22

    Absolutely Stupid Hr

    Absolutely Stupid Hr

    CookieMonsteeUmUmUm Report

    Kylie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I understand British but wth is A British? Is that like a Danish?

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    #23

    I'm So Fed Up With Recruiters Reaching Out To Me With Insultingly Low Rates For Short Term Contract Work When They Can See I Have A Full Time Job Already

    I'm So Fed Up With Recruiters Reaching Out To Me With Insultingly Low Rates For Short Term Contract Work When They Can See I Have A Full Time Job Already

    Beastly173 Report

    Igor914624
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep getting calls from recruiters. Recruiter: "You are a great fit"? Me: "What is the salary range?" Recruiter: "$XX.00/hour" Me: "That is half of what I am making now."

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    #24

    Just Why Tho

    Just Why Tho

    SquidSlothXL Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can't afford to live on the pay they are offering, then it's time to look elsewhere. Kinda there with my job. They cut my hours while I'm moving house. If I can't make it work by January, I'm gone.

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    #25

    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"

    ccricers Report

    #27

    Onion

    Onion

    prasharma Report

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a *colourful* CV and call centre was hands down my worst job. And I've expressed dogs' a**l glands with my bare hands for a living, so there's that.

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    #28

    It Feels Good To Reject An Job After Again After 6 Years

    It Feels Good To Reject An Job After Again After 6 Years

    yes_u_suckk Report

    Jane
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Questions like this are designed to see how you handle stress. Any answer is acceptable. If you freeze up, that tells them something. If you answer with humour, that tells them something. If you ask follow up questions about how many seatbelts are on the bus, that tells them something. It's like a personality test. Just give a random number if you can't come up with a witty response. Every interview I've ever had included a nonsense question. If I rejected every company for this reason, I wouldn't have a job.

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    #29

    They’re On To Us, Boys!

    They’re On To Us, Boys!

    Fyrepit Report

    #30

    What's The Asterisk For Subway? What's The Asterisk For!? [oc]

    What's The Asterisk For Subway? What's The Asterisk For!? [oc]

    Desert-Frost Report

    #31

    Was Looking At Truck Driving Jobs And Saw This

    Was Looking At Truck Driving Jobs And Saw This

    yogravy Report

    Alexa Saltz
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No females? I am a female CDL driver. I have logged over one million miles - accident/incident free. I have never had a load refused. What is it about gender that offends? Because I pee sitting down?

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    #32

    I Am Seriously Out Of Words..... There Needs To Be A Hell On This World Also For Recruiters

    I Am Seriously Out Of Words..... There Needs To Be A Hell On This World Also For Recruiters

    Budget_Green Report

    Pencil McGovern
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it was urgent, she'd have scheduled an interview a month ago.

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    #33

    Applied For This Job 2 Months Ago, Now The Recruiter Wants A Same Day Or Next Day Interview. Asked Me To Use Skype To Schedule. Should I Say Noon Again? Maybe In All Caps?

    Applied For This Job 2 Months Ago, Now The Recruiter Wants A Same Day Or Next Day Interview. Asked Me To Use Skype To Schedule. Should I Say Noon Again? Maybe In All Caps?

    spiciestkitten Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a moron. I totally would have responded NOON in all caps. And then maybe noon = 12pm.

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    #34

    Called Out For Being Stingy. Butthurt Company Further Tarnished Own Reputation With Their Explanation

    Called Out For Being Stingy. Butthurt Company Further Tarnished Own Reputation With Their Explanation

    Hammerlight98 Report

    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If demand is so much higher than supply why do you complain at all, greedy bastard?

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    #35

    Already Had A Bad Feeling About This Job So They Made The Decision Easy For Me 😂

    Already Had A Bad Feeling About This Job So They Made The Decision Easy For Me 😂

    Garden_ho_9681 Report

    SnootWaggling Fox
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for Verizon and Samsung getting advertising in here. Can't believe the recruiter didn't change that signature

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    #37

    It's A Privilege Really

    It's A Privilege Really

    abenemoj Report

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When people say their company is "like family," they mean a dysfunctional, toxic family.

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    #38

    Kinda Disrespectful Tbh

    Kinda Disrespectful Tbh

    yogurtchicken21 Report

    Rick Funk
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20 years with a Fortune 500 Medical Device company. Laid off over the phone while I was seeing patients!

    #39

    No Context Needed

    No Context Needed

    Jonnylicious Report

    Kylie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That doesn't look like a walk in.

    #40

    Saw This On A Job Application. Immediately Closed Out

    Saw This On A Job Application. Immediately Closed Out

    agomezwes28 Report

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They'd have trouble arranging calls with most of my former bosses unless they were willing to conduct seances. (Age related, I didn't bump them all off!!)

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    #41

    Thought You Guys Would Really Enjoy This One

    Thought You Guys Would Really Enjoy This One

    Rud2K Report

    John Mosley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So "All Inclusive" means "And That's It". Gotcha.

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    #42

    ◾️

    ◾️

    RelentlessNature Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just have a template ready and copy-paste it as needed.

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    #43

    Been Interviewing With Them For 2 Months! They Were Moving Me To 6th Round!!!

    Been Interviewing With Them For 2 Months! They Were Moving Me To 6th Round!!!

    Fragrant-Brilliant52 Report

    David Morgan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is an incompetent management team. No company that is worth working for is that bad at basic tasks like hiring employees. Maybe the person who normally handles that is ill or overworked - the company should find someone to take over. If they can't do that, imagine what they would be like managing workloads and payments.

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    #44

    Seen On Indeed. So Weird And Rude To Write Directly On The Public Posting, No?

    Seen On Indeed. So Weird And Rude To Write Directly On The Public Posting, No?

    -ramona Report

    linda harbin
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my line of work we have positions for driving branded tow trucks. Yet a huge amount of applicants either have suspended or no drivers license! We finally had to add “holding a current valid drivers license required". DUH!

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    #45

    You’ve Ghosted Me For The Last Time…

    You’ve Ghosted Me For The Last Time…

    [deleted] Report

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    #46

    As A Leader Of A Women's Employee Group, I Was Tasked With Coming Up With Ideas To Reduce Inequity In Our Workplace

    As A Leader Of A Women's Employee Group, I Was Tasked With Coming Up With Ideas To Reduce Inequity In Our Workplace

    I advocated for a pay audit and got a talking to from legal. Here are some of the greatest hits from that call.

    nightlights9 Report

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I smell PIGS - as in Male Chauvinist Pigs. (My apologies to the world's population of swine.)

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    #47

    Recruiter Not Happy I Withdrew My Candidacy

    Recruiter Not Happy I Withdrew My Candidacy

    SuperAquaMan69 Report

    #48

    Had This Little Interaction

    Had This Little Interaction

    Lssmnt Report

    Captain McSmoot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like they should have been mindful of grammar lessons and how they type before pressing "Send".

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    #49

    No Salary Discussions Before The Interview

    No Salary Discussions Before The Interview

    hmn5253 Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a worker, ALWAYS trade UP. No point in even interviewing if they are offering less than what you're already getting and if they are scared to state their offering, they are paying less than you're probably worth.

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    #50

    Classic

    Classic

    No_Razzmatazz_4015 Report

    John Mosley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The next panel is the turquoise shirted idiot sliding prone along the urinals because Fist of Death was employed.

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    #51

    Unprofessional Maybe?

    Unprofessional Maybe?

    RevolutionaryItem487 Report

    #52

    This Awful Job Posting For A Local Coffee Shop

    This Awful Job Posting For A Local Coffee Shop

    lamBacon Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I possess full knowledge that I don't want to experience working there.

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    #53

    Not Sure If This Is Too Good To Be True? Need Help Please Before I Transfer To This Job?

    Not Sure If This Is Too Good To Be True? Need Help Please Before I Transfer To This Job?

    Suitable_Salary_1058 Report

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "work hard play hard" leaves surprisingly little time or energy to play

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    #54

    Is It Just Me Or Is This Recruiter Borderline Threatening Me?

    Is It Just Me Or Is This Recruiter Borderline Threatening Me?

    reacher679 Report

    Learner Panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe they feel the recipient would be a really good match and they are keen to get them on board? Not everything is aggressive.

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    #55

    Who Needs Pay And Sick Leave? I Can Wear My Jeans To Work!

    Who Needs Pay And Sick Leave? I Can Wear My Jeans To Work!

    626eh Report

    RJ
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pfft! Jeans. Can I wear my track pants to work?

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    #56

    Meh 🥴

    Meh 🥴

    opure450 Report

    David Morgan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is pretentious, patronising b******t, and inaccurate too - both of their examples are myths. Also there are grammatical errors. I would resent working for people this smug.

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    #57

    Saw This Beautiful Rejection On Linkedin!

    Saw This Beautiful Rejection On Linkedin!

    Unconscious-Wizard Report

    Gary
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had someone apply to us with a really rude email cannot remember now, but ladyshagger or something similar, that went straight in the bin.

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    #58

    Lol Ok…when You Pay The Bill

    Lol Ok…when You Pay The Bill

    wanderingl0st Report

    HTakeover
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ripping... what is this, the early 2000s?

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    #59

    This Needs To Stop

    This Needs To Stop

    im_datta0 Report

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Entry level jobs with experience requirements are oxymorons. What part of "entry level" don't recruiters understand?

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    #60

    Recruiters Sure Love Recruiters

    Recruiters Sure Love Recruiters

    maximm3k Report

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they are the "backbone" of the company, how come they're being let off? Would you surrender a few of your vertebrae?

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