ADVERTISEMENT

What do job hunting and being chased through the streets by zombies have in common? They’re both nightmares. But job hunting might actually be worse because it’s something we still have to face after waking up. It's stressful enough in its own right, but communicating with frustrating recruiters and hiring managers can make the process so much worse. Thankfully, those of us who have encountered terrible recruiters have a space where we can share those stories: the Recruiting Hell subreddit. We’ve gone through to find some of the most ridiculous stories of unrealistic expectations and unprofessional emails from recruiters, so we hope as you read them you don't relate too much to the pain these job hunters have experienced. Enjoy this list, and if you're not too heated by the end, go on to check out Bored Panda’s last publication on the same topic right here next.

#1

As An Autistic Person, I Despise Everything About This!

As An Autistic Person, I Despise Everything About This!

TenNinetythree Report

Negative encounters with hiring managers are an unfortunately common occurrence, as the Recruiting Hell subreddit has amassed 285k members over the last 6 years. With the tagline “we’ll pay you in experience!”, the community states that it’s “for all of those recruiters and candidates who really don’t get it” and asks members to post their “horror stories” and “amazing” job offers. There are various issues that prospective employees often have with recruiters, but it appears that the nature of the job itself does not serve those being recruited. 

According to Brandon Savage, a full time consultant and blogger, a recruiter is the “nemesis of job searching”. Savage explains on his blog that recruiters are typically paid based on how many people they place and how high the salaries of those positions are. This means that since they’re essentially working on commission, they often have very little knowledge of the positions they’re hiring for and are willing to do or say whatever is necessary to fill roles.

#2

I Ran Into One Today

I Ran Into One Today

lottery_winner77777 Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never understood why a gap on a resume is a bad thing. I have a two year gap where I was laid off before I found a new job. How is that a bad thing? Jobs are hard to get and I work in a niche field. Also, I did a lot of small part-time stuff but I'm not gonna list it all.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Can I Get A Second To The Motion?

Can I Get A Second To The Motion?

gatadeplaya Report

Add photo comments
POST
kcmilholland avatar
Justme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be sure to put them on hold at some point so they can hear the gawdawful hold noise everyone has to listen to.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Now, let’s not demonize every hiring manager and recruiter out there. I’m sure plenty of people have had smooth and positive experiences job hunting. Brandon notes in his blog that if a company has an in-house recruiter, “working with them is perfectly fine and normal”. When contacted by someone about an opening, Brandon recommends checking that person’s email address to see if it’s connected to the company you’re interested in working for.

ADVERTISEMENT

He also warns job hunters to be wary of any uninvited solicitations from recruiters. If you’re contacted, out of the blue, by someone who compliments you on your skills and pitches another position to you, they're likely just looking for commission. If you're actually interested in the role, you can submit your resume the old fashion way and you're likely to have just as much luck. Don't give a misleading recruiter the satisfaction of making a profit off of you.

#4

A Story Of Two Parts, Recruiter Edition

A Story Of Two Parts, Recruiter Edition

_tommymason Report

#5

Funny How The Language Changes Between People And Businesses

Funny How The Language Changes Between People And Businesses

DanPriceSeattle Report

#6

This Should Be Mandatory Training For All Interviewers

This Should Be Mandatory Training For All Interviewers

allmyaliasesweretaken Report

Add photo comments
POST
viviane_katz avatar
-
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Pretty much the only way I'd judge a candidate in under 60 seconds is if they showed up with a machete and a hand grenade. Then again, I work in graphic design, so what do I know about other job requirements? On the other hand, my colleagues are pretty decent, so sarcasm is as much weaponry as one needs in my office.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Even when you’re not dealing with an outside recruiter, it is common to encounter unrealistic expectations in job postings. In her piece for Forbes “Why So Many Job Postings Are So Ridiculous”, career coach Nancy Collamer provides this example: “Progressive employer seeks Harvard-trained neuroscientist and beauty pageant winner. Must be fluent in Mandarin and skilled at tribal basket weaving. Minimum of 10 years experience working for high-tech companies. Salary: mid-30’s.” 

While that’s an obvious exaggeration, many job postings might as well say that when they ask for laughable skills and levels of experience for puny salaries in return. Nancy lists several reasons why postings like this somehow make their way to the internet, including that the employer is inexperienced at hiring and they just don’t know better. She notes that in many companies, particularly small ones, hiring can get passed off to people who have no experience (and no business) writing job descriptions.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Hey Recruiters, Answer Me This!

Hey Recruiters, Answer Me This!

bookluvr83 Report

#8

Got An Email From A Recruiter Today. I Was Interested Until They Disclosed The Pay. It’s Seriously Insultingly Low For The Role And Requirements. So I Told Them Just That Over Email

Got An Email From A Recruiter Today. I Was Interested Until They Disclosed The Pay. It’s Seriously Insultingly Low For The Role And Requirements. So I Told Them Just That Over Email

missmolly314 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

4+ Years Of Experience In A 2 Year Old Technology

4+ Years Of Experience In A 2 Year Old Technology

tiangolo Report

Add photo comments
POST
elien-noyen avatar
Elaine N
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would go for an interview just for the fun of it if I created that thing 😅

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Another reason you might find unrealistic job postings is because an employer is willing to wait for the perfect candidate, regardless of whether or not they actually exist. There’s no problem with wanting to hire the best person for a position, but having a wish list with too many unattainable qualifications can actually deter candidates from applying in the first place. Nancy notes that these could also be “phantom postings”. These are created when companies are obligated to post open positions publicly, but they already know they want to hire someone inside the office. With an over-the-top job description, outsiders are less likely to apply, and the favored candidate on the inside will have an advantage. Phantom postings are a huge waste of everyone’s time, but unfortunately, they do happen.  

#10

That Backfired Spectacularly

That Backfired Spectacularly

fencheeks Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why, when we didn't post the salary in the job listing (that has changed), I would open up the conversation by telling the applicant the hours and the salary. Then they were free to leave if those things didn't suit them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

We Don’t Count Internships As Experience Here, So Let’s Just Forget All Of That

We Don’t Count Internships As Experience Here, So Let’s Just Forget All Of That

virtadpt Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

People Are Human And Human Things Happen

People Are Human And Human Things Happen

RDPCG Report

Add photo comments
POST
cinzabeary avatar
LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

10 years ago, I had spotty employment, with the longest stint at a job 1 year. The rest of the time I was a stay at home mom and job searching, while my common law husband was working. Staying at home and caring for a child raises so many eyebrows, like I had spent years in prison or something bad. It felt as if they thought I was a welfare mom, because I looked so young, even though that was not the case at all. No one should have to explain themselves. You already have to tick off on the application whether you've been convicted of a crime or not, and maybe provide a criminal record/child abuse registry check. Anything else is not their concern.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

When it comes to responding to companies asking for far too much in their job postings, it can be difficult to know when it’s still worth it to apply. If you’re actually interested in the position, Nancy recommends finding someone within the company who you can talk to candidly about the role and what it’s like working there. Perhaps you have a friend or a LinkedIn contact there who would be willing to help. She also says that a good rule of thumb is the “70% rule”, meaning that if you fit about 70% of the requirements listed, it’s still worth it for you to apply. This is particularly important for women to keep in mind, as they tend to be more modest when applying for jobs. You can also keep an eye on how long a position has been posted online. If a company has been looking to fill a role for months, they might start to lower their expectations or be more willing to negotiate. If you submitted your resume months ago and no one has been hired yet, don’t be scared to circle back and see if you can still be considered.

#13

Interviewing For My First Recruiting Job - Why Did I Start This Life??

Interviewing For My First Recruiting Job - Why Did I Start This Life??

ryin_matiaz Report

#14

That's It

That's It

RDPCG Report

Add photo comments
POST
kazza39 avatar
Syrah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm still technically waiting to hear if a got a job I interviewed for 8 years ago, am assuming I didn't ;)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Recruiter Asked Me To Record A Video Response To 4 Questions. This Is My Reply

Recruiter Asked Me To Record A Video Response To 4 Questions. This Is My Reply

Arf_Nouveaux Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is with this b******t of sending them a video? WTF do you say while recording it? I’m not auditioning for a movie role, ffs, I just want to work for your company. (I also don’t want them being assholes laughing at my video—-and I have seen, pre-Zoom/video/hell, pre-internet, HR making fun of people’s resumes and applications, so I know damn well they’d make fun of a video, so f**k them).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The good news for those searching for a new job is that recently, hiring managers have had an increasingly difficult time filling roles. This means that applicants have more power than ever before, and they should take advantage of it. A month ago, Jane Thier published a story for Fortune titled “It’s a great time to be a job applicant—and the worst time to be a hiring manager” breaking down all of the reasons why candidates are now at an advantage over companies. Jane mentions that unemployment rates in the US are now the lowest that they’ve been since the beginning of the pandemic, and 84% of hiring managers report feeling burnt out, as candidates become more demanding in terms of perks and benefits. Not only are applicants asking for more, but they also have the power to tarnish a company’s reputation by discussing their interview experiences on social media and websites like Glassdoor. “As it gets easier and easier for individuals to find a new job,” Jane says. “The pressure on hiring managers only increases.”

#16

What Usually Leads People To Find Another Job

What Usually Leads People To Find Another Job

amcclurk21 Report

Add photo comments
POST
kcmilholland avatar
Justme
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A coworker was always calling out sick and I always had to drop my work to cover hers. When she finally quit, everyone was excited cause she just sucked. No one else grasped (until I said so) that this means I just lost MY job. Other staff had no idea that I had a different job and now I’d have to cover for her for months until a replacement was hired.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

A Company Found Me On Linkedin And Reached Out To Me, This Was My Response

A Company Found Me On Linkedin And Reached Out To Me, This Was My Response

mtlmike85 Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. I hate these "send us a video" things. Why? I know why. This is solely so you can judge someone's appearance.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#18

Contrary To A Number Of Recruiters’ Popular Belief, I Do Very Much Care About The Money. Did You Think My Childhood Dream Was To Send An Email To Request Reimbursement Approval For Airport Parking To Pick Up Someone Snotty Visiting From The Head Office?

Contrary To A Number Of Recruiters’ Popular Belief, I Do Very Much Care About The Money. Did You Think My Childhood Dream Was To Send An Email To Request Reimbursement Approval For Airport Parking To Pick Up Someone Snotty Visiting From The Head Office?

AdamMGrant Report

In the 2022 Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report, Greenhouse CEO Daniel Chait discusses this recent role reversal between companies and candidates. “Companies have realized their potentially unfair hiring practices—or even just simple sloppiness like ineffective interviewing or a habit of ghosting candidates—is coming back to bite them,” he says. Applicants are apparently also expecting the process to move very quickly, so interested hiring managers have to make offers fast before another company beats them to it. Meanwhile, in the competitive job market, hiring managers have to focus on retention as well. Every time an employee leaves their company for a better offer, there’s one more role they’re expected to fill. I certainly wouldn’t want the job of a hiring manager or recruiter, but it’s encouraging to know that the ball is in the applicants’ court sometimes.

#19

Was I Being Impolite? Had This Exchange On Linkedin

Was I Being Impolite? Had This Exchange On Linkedin

Appropriate_Fudge617 Report

#20

For The Memes, Because We’ve All Been There

For The Memes, Because We’ve All Been There

kinggianniferrari Report

Add photo comments
POST
kleinert-torsten avatar
Torsten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot these stupid scroll wheels to enter a year - and the overall poorly designed website.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Hiring Managers: You No Longer Have The Luxury Of "Thinking" About Whether You Want To Offer A Candidate A Job Or Not

Hiring Managers: You No Longer Have The Luxury Of "Thinking" About Whether You Want To Offer A Candidate A Job Or Not

ddh85 Report

Pay transparency is one of the most important factors for many job applicants today. Just look at this list and all of the screenshots featuring hiring managers beating around the bush when it comes to salary ranges or explicitly telling applicants they can’t disclose that information. More progressive companies, however, are advertising high salaries to ensure they can attract talent. Erica Thomas, a technical recruiter in Florida, told CNBC that hiring for on-site positions is particularly challenging, but it can be done at the right price. “If I say, ‘you’ll be on-site and the range is $118,000 to $130,000,’ now we’re talking,” she says. “You have 4 to 8 seconds to catch a candidate’s attention. People want to know the bottom line: how much they’ll be paid.”

#22

Dodged

Dodged

blaine1028 Report

Add photo comments
POST
crowngemuk avatar
Mama Penguin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asking a candidate for a desired salary is a twisted mind game. Just tell candidates what you're willing to pay and negotiate from there.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Facing These Days!

Facing These Days!

RankYouHigher Report

Add photo comments
POST
crowngemuk avatar
Mama Penguin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn. My parents should have trained me for this job when they were thinking to have a baby.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

There Is A Pandemic Of Bad Managers

There Is A Pandemic Of Bad Managers

cortemptas Report

Bonuses are also getting better and better for applicants in the US. According to a 2021 Robert Half survey, 48% of companies are providing signing bonuses, 43% are offering more paid time off, and 40% are offering better job titles “to entice prospective hires”. Hiring managers have also resorted to casting a wider net when it comes to applicants because it has become so difficult to fill roles quickly with talent close to home. One woman, Lauren Rackley, told CNBC that she was given a $19,500 relocation bonus from her new job for moving from North Carolina to Florida. She noted that it was far more than any other relocation bonus she had been offered in the past. 

#25

Recruiter Asked Me To Send In A Report Of My Total Earnings In 2020/2021 As Part Of The Negotiation Process

Recruiter Asked Me To Send In A Report Of My Total Earnings In 2020/2021 As Part Of The Negotiation Process

SergeantTeddyWolf Report

See Also on Bored Panda

As companies become more desperate to hire and hold onto skilled talent, job applicants are finally being presented with attractive offers. Hopefully this combined with candidates holding companies accountable in communities like the Recruitment Hell subreddit will lead to permanently improved hiring practices. Enjoy the rest of this list of ridiculous messages and expectations from recruiters, and don’t forget to upvote the pics you find most appalling. Then let us know in the comments if you’ve ever had a terrible encounter with a recruiter!

#29

Why So Surprised?

Why So Surprised?

_simple_man Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why you leaving? Didn’t we treat you shitty enough?

#30

"Workforce Development And Salary Consultant" Screwing Her Clients

"Workforce Development And Salary Consultant" Screwing Her Clients

agileideation Report

Note: this post originally had 114 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.