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
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
#3 Rejected From An Internship For Not Having Enough Experience
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
#5 Did They Want You To Get A Pager Also?
#6 Actress Is Rejected A Role For Being Deaf, However They Ask Her To Teach The Chosen Actress How To Act Deaf
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:
#8 Cluckin’ Delighted
#9 Wait What
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.
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
#11 Seriously?
#12 Oops
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.”
#13 Excuse Me? Huh? Rejected Because Of This?
#14 Of Course
#15 We’re Looking For Some Specific Skills
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
#17 Rejected From Cat Sitting
#18 Rejection Letter For A Us Remote Job. Company Thought New Mexico Was “International”
“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.”
#19 Ouch
#21 Not As Inspiring As They Probably Hoped
#22 Rejected In 5 Minutes
#23 Thanks I Guess
#24 If You Apply Using A Cv You’ll Be Automatically Rejected 🙄🙄
#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!!
#26 Josh Wasn’t Speaking Financially
#27 Got This Email, Two Months After Actually Starting With The Company
#28 This Rejection I Received After Working On A Take-Home Challenge For A Week. Still Angers Me Today How Rudely They Responded
#29 Saw This Beautiful Rejection On Linkedin!
#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 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.
#31 Seriously?
#32 We Rejected You Because You Didn’t Send A Thank You Note
#33 Thank You For The Personalized Rejection
#34 Nice. Rejection Email Six Months After Applying. Reasonable Timeframe To Get Back To An Applicant, Don’t You Think?
#35 I Literally Applied Over Two Years Ago
