ADVERTISEMENT

Finding a new job can be really stressful. Creating the perfect CV, scrolling through countless ads, keeping up with the ever-changing marketplace—it's certainly a tough task.

Not to mention the companies that place unreal expectations on their potential employees. We've all heard them asking for years of experience for an entry-level position that offers very little to no pay at all. No wonder you get sick and tired of the whole process.

But don't worry. You're not the only one: r/recruitinghell is a subreddit where both recruiters and candidates share their ridiculous hiring experiences, so keep scrolling if you want reassurance that the universe hasn't conspired against you and check out some of its best posts below!

After you're done, don't forget to check out Bored Panda's previous post about the horrors of finding a new job.

#1

This

This

Wajeehrehman Report

Add photo comments
POST
cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently they have to offer open positions to prospective employees even if they intend to recruit/promote from within the company in a lot of places, or they could be dragged through the courts to be fined. I don't agree with the ruling, and it should be removed. A lot of companies ignore it as it is only enforceable if someone notices, but it is a sh*tty rule

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

It's Really Not That Complicated...

It's Really Not That Complicated...

danpriceseattle , twitter.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
iblowsheep avatar
iblowsheep
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in addition to having skewed ideas about fair pay, Companies also should make decisions based off of the feedback of the people who are doing the work, not an executive or board of directors who have no idea.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Bored Panda reached out to Steven Mostyn, a best-selling author and CEO of LP Writers, a professional LinkedIn profile writing service, to talk about the disconnect between job seekers and hiring managers. He specializes in recruitment, resumes and job-hunting strategies, and for over 20 years has successfully coached hundreds into finding a new job.

According to Mostyn, one of the motives for setting unrealistic requirements is simply trying to find another worker who has the same set of skills and personality traits as the employee who left. “This is a massive mistake“, he said. “It is better for employers to have realistic expectations on hiring someone new for the role and train any areas that they will be missing. If employers fail to do so, they will never be satisfied with the new hire or have an open position for a very long time."

#3

After 22 Online Rejections And Ghostings, I Finally Got An Interview! When I Arrived I Was Told They Had No Intentions Of Hiring Me And Just Wanted To Encourage Me To Continue My Education

After 22 Online Rejections And Ghostings, I Finally Got An Interview! When I Arrived I Was Told They Had No Intentions Of Hiring Me And Just Wanted To Encourage Me To Continue My Education

damntheelctricfence Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In some states, you can sue them for wasting your time under the "False Promises" clause. If they say they are bringing you in for a job interview and they tell you they had no intention of hiring you but encouraging you to continue with your studies, that's a waste of your time and money.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

Ooooof

Ooooof

kschin1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
dirigobill avatar
amyfabbri avatar
Amy Fabbri
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lived through this at several companies. Company cries poor, but then throws weekly happy hours for morale. Save the beer money and give people raises!

joelhopkins avatar
Joel Hopkins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you serious? Happy hours? You don't know the half of it then. I have seen companies cry poor and then fly execs around on Gulfstreams while expecting everyone else to eat ramen and claim they couldn't possibly afford the outrageous rate of $20/hr. BTW, it generally costs $20k just to start the engines on a G5. For one flight.

Load More Replies...
livlisbon84 avatar
Olivia Lisbon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My company my bf works for does exactly this - they used to have about 8 copywriters and a manager, each with their own specialty subjects. One by one quit, including the manager. Now there’s two of them including my bf, and no manager, so they manage themselves. Plus he spends a third of his time on the helpdesk, and makes instructional videos for them in his free time. And he still gets minimum wage after 7 years there, even though his workload has increased 6-fold. He recently discovered his contract stipulates a yearly pay rise, but HR seems to be ignoring him regarding this. He’s definitely not particularly loyal to his arsehole of a boss.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He needs to get together with the other worker, strategize, and make some demands. If the other worker has a contract stating the same thing about annual raises, they could have a real good legal case.

Load More Replies...
dpopknight avatar
Diane Knight
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is happening in our household. 4 guys in dept, 2 are relocated to another dept. 2 remains, 1 finds out has cancer. Out for treatment, but willing to work part time, noped, all or stay on long term sick leave til come back fully. Hubby doing all 4's work as best he can. Gave his notice for retirement last week. (For 12/31/2021 end date). Crickets from company......

pixie420 avatar
J. Normal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not new, 30 yrs ago I was pregnant and they doubled my workload (closed an office), no additional pay and the boss was SHOCKED when my maternity leave ended, I walked in and told her to take the job and shove it. There were other issues with the company / boss.

cmuraspunk avatar
Alphabet Soupy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not counting the work that is outsourced and the layoffs that come next.

kevinperry_2 avatar
okpkpkp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't this where the employers say "NO ONE WANTS TO WORK ANYMORE!"

d_pitbull avatar
D. Pitbull
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is exactly what happened to the last "office job" I had. Someone quit - while we were *already* handling more cases than the average... the managers/bosses *confirmed in meetings and reviews* that the caseloads were too heavy. And then proceeded to say: "well, take this resilience course to figure out how to handle things" - when someone states that no matter what meditation/yoga/resilience exercises are in play, 24 hours of work cannot be compressed into an 8 hr day... they are now 'difficult' and do not deserve a raise.... and when that person quits because they refuse to work free overtime... somehow everyone ELSE is disgusted with you.

fairydragon avatar
Droopsnoot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Nothing more important than our rule and money. I'm rich, so I don't care."

katiehayes_3 avatar
DrGirlfriend
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's Walmart, they use you like dirty poop paper and flush as many souls into their sespool of bigoted, racism slathered with patronizing sexism. Retaliatory and completely unethical ie. HR is the maintenance mangers mom. Or like management spouse brother working under them ECT. Hate Walmart

damonhill avatar
Seadog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Corporate mentality. They never cut at the top, it's always at the bottom. It's always the people who actually service the customers and make money for the company. The leeches sit it their tower bleeding the company dry.

stevewhite_2 avatar
steve white
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep…the company got a new specialist machine and trained me up on maintaining it. Very technical and beyond my basic pay grade. I completed the training and constantly requested to be regraded for 18 months but was refused. The regrade would have given me 2k per annum more. I eventually quit The company now has to get the manufacturer in at a cost of well over £100k a year . The job has been readvertised at 1k less than what I was on. Post is still open two years later

effsevensix avatar
Effseven Six
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My job does this. I've absorbed going on three jobs since two people left and one person passed away.

ambrandt444 avatar
AMB
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

ortaduchess avatar
Stephanie Did It
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the next thing you know, a contractor is doing that job and eying yours.

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ceo think people under them are slave and would work for them for fun

jessican avatar
Jessica N
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My work lost 2 key employees and we are trying desperately to hire to fill them but there are no applications. The wages and hours offered are above average and its genuinely a decent job but apparently the joke phrase "noone wants to work" is entirely accurate.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Another reason could be that employers often have too little tolerance for applicants who do not meet every role aspect. Mostyn agreed that it could be very discouraging: “The candidate may have tremendous skills, personality, and potential but might be overlooked due to unrealistic expectations by the employer,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mostyn told us that if your talents meet the key aspects of the role, tell them all about it during the interview and explain what you can do for the company. “This can sometimes make the employers forget about looking at the nitty-gritty skills and make the focus on what is really important for the job,” he explained to Bored Panda.

However, candidates can also be too critical of themselves. According to this report, men usually apply for a job after meeting around 60% of the criteria, while women feel they need to meet 100%. But this also means that women are more likely to get hired since they make sure that all expectations are met.

#5

I Would Watch That

I Would Watch That

meadbymead Report

#6

Why So Secret?

Why So Secret?

jo_bazz , twitter.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they want your signature in blood on the contract before they tell you that your salary is $12.50 per hour minus the mandatory fees: $1 for coffee money, $2 for heating, lighting and use of office equipment and $1.75 for cleaning your cubicle.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Lastly, let's not forget new graduates. According to this study, out of almost 4 million job postings on LinkedIn, 35% asked for at least three years of work experience for an entry-level job. Steven Mostyn thinks that the laziness of the employer could be at fault here: “They do not want to go through the trouble and time of training and instead want someone ready to go. This might be fine for the short term, but the employer could lose big time in the future as a candidate with high potential could have done a better job.”

ADVERTISEMENT

It's clear that expecting too much of your potential employees is harmful for everyone; companies can drag on with the search and applicants can experience a lack of confidence. Recruiters should be more realistic on what qualities the job actually needs instead of just ticking a bunch of boxes on the list. Just remember, if you have ever been in a situation like this, you can always turn to the r/recruitinghell community and share your own recruitment horror stories.

#7

The Truth About "Nobody Wants To Work" (That We All Knew Already)

The Truth About "Nobody Wants To Work" (That We All Knew Already)

MrZJones Report

#8

I Just Want A Paycheck While Not Having To Join A Cult

I Just Want A Paycheck While Not Having To Join A Cult

RaxKingIsDead Report

Add photo comments
POST
tomspade avatar
Tom Spade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone otherwise be in a place of employment? It's definitely not for the "opportunities"...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Who Were You In Your Past Life?

Who Were You In Your Past Life?

Wajeehrehman Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, I went to an interview for a resource center that helped kids with learning or physical disabilities. She asked if I had any experience working with the disabled. I said "no." She said "Wait...I thought you said you have an autistic son?" I said "I do." She leaned over and said "That's experience....." Well Duh...(Face palm.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Burn

Burn

Wajeehrehman Report

Add photo comments
POST
stefan-gonzalevski avatar
Stefan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both questions are legitimate. And there shouldn't be any shame or blame to answer them honestly.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Not Sure If It Fits Here But Reminded Me Of R/Recruitinghell

Not Sure If It Fits Here But Reminded Me Of R/Recruitinghell

PHRENOL0GY Report

#13

"No One Wants To Work!"

"No One Wants To Work!"

VT_Forever Report

Add photo comments
POST
steeperslope avatar
Jeff K
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Employers who say no one wants to work don't understand the economics of supply and demand. There are millions of people without jobs out there, as well as lots of people willing to leave their current jobs. Pay more, increase benefits, make your job environment a positive one, and you'll be able to compete for employees. Don't do these things and you won't.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

Don't Know If This Has Been Posted Here Yet

Don't Know If This Has Been Posted Here Yet

Tardigradium Report

#15

Better Start Hiring Then...

Better Start Hiring Then...

alaskastardust Report

Add photo comments
POST
mrsb4905 avatar
Lindsey Judd-Bruder
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't have to feel bad for the employers. That's okay. But please have a little sympathy for the employEES, who are working on a skeleton crew, doing double work, for slave pay, and getting all kinds of flack from both their bosses, and salty customers, because they're not doing their extra work quickly enough. The employees can't do any hiring or firing, and they have no say in any job advertisements, or misrepresentations therein (or in any repairs or stock orders). They literally have no control. It's not their fault. They're just cogs in a machine, just trying to pay their bills. So hate the employers if you want. That's fair. But PLEASE, be nice to the employees.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Hard Same

Hard Same

toktoktwan Report

#17

I Have Been Interviewing With A Company For Over 6 Weeks And Have Talked To Ten Different Interviewers. Emailed Today Saying I’ve Moved To The Next Round. Finally Sick Of It

I Have Been Interviewing With A Company For Over 6 Weeks And Have Talked To Ten Different Interviewers. Emailed Today Saying I’ve Moved To The Next Round. Finally Sick Of It

its233am Report

#18

Robert Half Being Called Out On This Linkedin Post

Robert Half Being Called Out On This Linkedin Post

Soo_ee_sauce Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Robert Half is a joke. Right out of accounting classes (back when I was 20) and they wanted to put me in a position that required a CPA.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Another Way Of Putting It : My Quality Of Life And Mental Health Is Being Dictated By Others

Another Way Of Putting It : My Quality Of Life And Mental Health Is Being Dictated By Others

Adam_Karpiak Report

Add photo comments
POST
rspanther avatar
rspanther
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And you get an interview and you say all the right things, it's the same as your last job and the company ghosts you, and you have no idea why.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Enough Said

Enough Said

friesxo Report

#21

Viva La Revolución

Viva La Revolución

danielmarven Report

Add photo comments
POST
donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with this scheme is that it involves working without being paid.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

And Don’t Forget We’re A Family Here!

And Don’t Forget We’re A Family Here!

lolennui Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you only get paid a minimum wage for one and should be grateful for the opportunities to get more experience on a wider basis.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

Sick Of The Lack Of Professionalism

Sick Of The Lack Of Professionalism

blackshheep Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They couldn't even bother to proofread and correct the whole "interviewwith" thing. Spelling mistakes on social media are fine, spelling mistakes in official company communications are not.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Well Now I'm Just Confused

Well Now I'm Just Confused

WadeLikesPlanes Report

Add photo comments
POST
pterrzsahegyi_1 avatar
Péter Rózsahegyi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's clear: you'll have to count polar bears from a North Pole container. You can't leave the container or you'll be eaten. You can't be remote from your remote location.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Welcome To The Next Level Of Recruiting Hell

Welcome To The Next Level Of Recruiting Hell

LauraMiers Report

Add photo comments
POST
cmameigh1982 avatar
Carolyn.Amay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so illegal , I can't imagine any business being that blatantly racist... Unless they are trying to get shut down. No wonder there aren't any other comments. So obviously b.s.trying to get attention?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

That’s For Getting Back To Me

That’s For Getting Back To Me

AnggChanell Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like my former tutor manager that, somehow, thought I was waiting by the phone with baited breath for her to call. Sorry! Graduated with a 4.0 and had recommendations up the wazzoo from my professors. And you thought I'd choose a low paying tutoring job over a career that pays decently. Later!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Never-Ending Interviews

Never-Ending Interviews

littleroo45 Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called they were looking for someone to put up with the BS of interviews because they were desperate. That's just wrong...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Welcome To Almost Every Company You Want To Work For Post-School

Welcome To Almost Every Company You Want To Work For Post-School

a000o Report

#31

Can I Vibe?

Can I Vibe?

skhndh Report

Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had one friend that got asked this in an interview. Her gap was due to taking care of her dying relative. When the interviewer got pushy about it, she stood up and said "a long unhappy personal tragedy that's none of your business" and walked out. Sometimes our downtime is none of your business...stop asking this question.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Not Sure If This Is A Repost

Not Sure If This Is A Repost

beetagolsh Report

Add photo comments
POST
stefan-gonzalevski avatar
Stefan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come to work riding it. I hope they have elephant parking place with food and water.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

So On Brand

So On Brand

blakes_online Report

Add photo comments
POST
brianadae04 avatar
Briana Landers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe if they didnt waste money on all that and its upkeep theyd be able to pay employees jus 25 cents more even hhhh

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

Thoughts?

Thoughts?

Advanced_Doctor2938 Report

Add photo comments
POST
qcrhngd6gx avatar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, IF I would be unpaid I expect the job to be, at least, astronaut for the upcoming moon mission. Otherwise, just sod it.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Why Is This True

Why Is This True

_robertschultz Report

Add photo comments
POST
kalanireel avatar
digitalin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, an "open office" plan made me miss cubicles. Sound-absorbent panels, some visual privacy, places to pin up ideas, my own meeting space... Open office plans are awful compared with cubes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

An Employee Asked Me For A Raise But I Didn't Give It To Him So He Resigned. I Really Need Him Now For A Project. How Can I Get Him Back?

An Employee Asked Me For A Raise But I Didn't Give It To Him So He Resigned. I Really Need Him Now For A Project. How Can I Get Him Back?

ddh85 Report

#37

Come On, It’ll Be Fun!

Come On, It’ll Be Fun!

yelpisforsnitches Report

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what sort of response they were expecting when they put this out

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Wise Words To Live By From Anime

Wise Words To Live By From Anime

Foxedup- , aggretsuko Report

Add photo comments
POST
tomspade avatar
Tom Spade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pizza parties indicates that you aren't going anywhere for lunch... Lunch is MY time. To have a fine smoke in the parking lot. Big smoke, lol.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Low Pay But Rewarding?

Low Pay But Rewarding?

heldonbyastring Report

#40

Easiest Way To Get Me To Not Fill Out An Application

Easiest Way To Get Me To Not Fill Out An Application

thetalkingrock Report

Add photo comments
POST
patrick_mckemie avatar
Patrick McKemie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Roses are red; Violets are blue; this is the dumbest thing; I've ever had to do

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

Fool Stack Development

Fool Stack Development

Report

Note: this post originally had 81 images. It’s been shortened to the top 41 images based on user votes.