HR angry email goes viral: A job seeker’s story about an unexpected and sharply worded email from a hiring manager has sparked discussion online after sharing screenshots of the exchange on a social media Reddit post. The situation highlights tensions around professionalism and communication in the hiring process, especially when expectations are mismatched.
HR Email Slamming Job Seeker After Interview Rejection Goes Viral on Reddit
The Reddit user, with the username ‘Agile-Wind-4427’, who had been documenting their job search journey on the subreddit community r/30daysnewjob, shared in a post about their experience in r/recruitinghell, which is a subreddit community for those who face the challenge of landing a job within 30–60 days.
The user said that they had already accepted and started a new job when Agile-Wind-4427 received a follow-up message about an interview request that had been sent weeks earlier. Because the social media user had moved on professionally, Agile-Wind-4427 said that they had already informed the other company that the user was no longer available, making clear Agile-Wind-4427 was not ignoring the company or “ghosting” the process.
Recruiter Accuses Applicant of Unprofessional Conduct
However, the reply Agile-Wind-4427 received from the recruiter days later was unexpectedly harsh. According to the post, the HR message accused him of a lack of professionalism and responsibility for not taking a scheduled interview call, despite the user’s earlier notice that they had accepted another position and declined the opportunity.
Agile-Wind-4427 said, “I didn’t reply. I’m already working and honestly don’t see the point. Just found it wild how entitled some recruiters act when they don’t get what they want.”
Job Seekers Share Similar Experiences of Recruiter Entitlement
The post quickly gained traction, resonating with other job seekers who shared similar experiences of questionable communication from recruiters and HR professionals during the hiring process.
One Redditor commented that, “I have actually pulled out from interview processes to be hit with a we will not be moving forward with your application email.. yeah no shit.” Another shared, “I declined a job offer once, and they sent me a letter stating that they were going with another candidate.” Another comment said, “Big ‘you can’t quit! You’re fired!’ energy.”
Viral Reddit Story Reignites Conversation Around Hiring Etiquette
Experts say communication in hiring, both from employers and candidates, can deeply shape perceptions of professionalism. In many countries, HR leaders and lawmakers have emphasized the importance of respectful responses and clear feedback to candidates, noting that half of job-seekers report being “ghosted” or left without communication after interviews or applications, a practice that can be damaging to both morale and employer brand. Efforts are underway in some regions to require better transparency and follow-up from employers, such as legislation aimed at ending HR ghosting in the recruitment process, as per a CNBC Make It report.