A job rejection citing “desperation” as a concern has triggered a wider online conversation about hiring norms and the emotional realities of unemployment, after an experienced software engineer shared his interview experience on Reddit.
The post, which quickly gained traction, struck a nerve among job seekers navigating a prolonged and uncertain hiring market, particularly in the technology sector.
A Promising Interview, Followed by an Unexpected Reason
The engineer, who said he has over five years of experience, described completing a technical interview that initially appeared to go well. He was told he was a “strong candidate” but was ultimately informed that the company would not be moving forward with his application.
Seeking clarity, he asked for specific feedback. According to the post, the interviewer explained that a comment made earlier in the process had raised concerns. The candidate had expressed readiness to start immediately and said he genuinely wanted to work with the company.
The interviewer reportedly said the remark came across as “desperate,” adding that such an impression could be off-putting.
‘Am I Supposed to Pretend I Don’t Care?’
The explanation left the candidate frustrated. In his post, he questioned the expectation that job seekers should mask urgency, even when facing financial hardship.
He shared that he is currently unemployed, struggling to meet basic expenses and finding unconventional ways to make ends meet while continuing his job search. Expressing eagerness for employment, he argued, was not a performance flaw but an honest reflection of his situation.
“I want to work,” he wrote, adding that enthusiasm should not be mistaken for weakness.
Reddit Pushback: Passion, But Not Too Much
The post drew strong reactions from Reddit users, many of whom criticised the rejection rationale. Several commenters noted the contradiction between companies seeking “passionate” candidates while penalising applicants for showing genuine interest.
Others said the feedback highlighted an unspoken rule in hiring, that candidates are expected to signal enthusiasm without revealing vulnerability. One commenter likened the process to dating, where appearing too eager can be perceived negatively, regardless of intent.
Some users, however, acknowledged the transparency, noting that many companies avoid giving detailed rejection reasons altogether due to legal or reputational concerns.
‘Dodged a Bullet’: Say Supporters
A significant number of commenters suggested the engineer may have avoided a problematic workplace. They described the interviewer’s reasoning as dismissive and reflective of an inflated sense of employer power.
According to these users, rejecting a candidate for wanting the job too much could result in hiring someone less motivated or less committed in the long run.
Encouragement poured in, with commenters urging the engineer to continue applying and reassuring him that persistence would eventually pay off.