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Landing a job these days is much more complicated than it was around a decade ago. In a 2023 survey, 70% of 1,500 job seekers admitted they needed to put in more effort than usual, and 67% found their recent job searches more difficult than their previous ones. 

Dealing with incompetent, inconsiderate recruiters can be a more frustrating experience for job seekers. This list of screenshots of email and text exchanges between talent acquisition professionals and candidates revolves around that theme. 

They’re all from the Recruiting Hell subreddit, a safe place where job hunters can share their woes and grievances. 

If you’ve been through an exasperating job hunt, these stories may make you feel empathy or echo the same annoyance these people felt. 

#1

Found This On Linkedin, Thought It Probably Belongs Here...lol

Found This On Linkedin, Thought It Probably Belongs Here...lol

skullnuggets Report

#2

Solid Advice

Solid Advice

Adriendel Report

#3

Seen In NYC, Are They Starting To Understand?

Seen In NYC, Are They Starting To Understand?

ZakA77ack Report

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the Great Resignation when people left their jobs en masse in the spring of 2021. This resulted in a labor shortage, leading to companies scrambling for workers and offering various perks and benefits. 

But that was three years ago, and the job market has since shifted to a point where companies have become more conscious about costs. If you want to boost your chances of getting hired, you must reframe your thinking, says Bert Bean, CEO of staffing firm Insight Global. 

That change in approach may include skill development. According to Forbes, online courses and workshops are ways to gain valuable and relevant experiences.

#4

Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

Background_Touchdown , mattwallaert Report

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Mariaf
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they will hire because promoting would mean losing somebody who actually knows how to do the job and is a good leader accepted by the whole team as such and we can never have people like that in management.

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#5

Someone Pls Try It And Tell Me If It Worked

Someone Pls Try It And Tell Me If It Worked

maramara18 Report

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Lady of Shalott
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean I've been working with a smile for without charging extra this whole time?!

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A global recession loomed in 2023, frightening companies and urging them to pause the expansion of their workforce. According to Glassdoor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, many businesses continue to live in that fear. 

“They don’t want to overhire into a recession and then have to lay people off,” Zhao told CNBC. 

As a possible solution, Bean advises looking into other industries that have increased their hiring efforts in the past few months. These include healthcare, government, and construction.

#7

Just Stop Please

Just Stop Please

Zaiik Report

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Sabrina Longo
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Minimum wage, part time, no benefits but must have a masters. We're all going to die.

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#8

Recruiter Moment

Recruiter Moment

[deleted] Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'm looking for work I'm applying EVERYWHERE. I'm not going to twiddle my thumbs while someone hmms and haws over my resume for two weeks.

Alexia
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a candidate, I do feel it's very disrespectful for recruiters to say "we'll get back to you with an answer" and never get back. Stop promising things that you never intend to do. It doesn't make you look "professional". It makes you and your organization look unreliable and entitled. And as we might cross paths again in a few years (happened several times), I will remember how you treated me.

Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are companies being disrespectful when they interview multiple candidates?

Bald Panda
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess the person who asked the poll also voted but it's not counted in the total

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Wim Cossement
Community Member
4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay boss, so profit is not important, improving things is! Got it...

Joshua David
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a former recruiter, this recruiter is a kiss àss koolaid drinking recruiter. We had them too lol. They're everywhere lol.

Hodge Elmwood
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dude, it's LEADING edge...but in your case, maybe bleeding is correct.

ZestyBison
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People may not have time to to focus solely on one company. Bills are due.

Anne Home
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, they are technically right. Doublebooking is not okay. People should put their iob interviews in different time spots. Preferably with reasonable time to get from one interview to the next!

Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Recruiter, I would like to respectfully request that you go pound sand, whilst simultaneously pronging yourself. "Okay, I luv you bye-bye."

Pablo Ramos
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a job seeker, companies should not interview more than one candidat e..

Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sorry? I’m totally in it for the money. I have an unfortunate eating habit and the grocery store doesn’t take pocket lint and rocks. Sad. I got lotsa nice rocks

badger
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet the recruiter is fielding multiple candidates at the same time.

TheGoodBoi
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So I checked with my mortgage company, they don't accept "Improve things" as a form of payment.

Science Nerd
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a job seeker, I feel it is disrespectful for a company to interview several candidates at the same time. Many job seekers have chosen the employer as a good fit and it wastes their time for the employer to have other priorities.

Thomas Grant
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That probably from an employer who doesnt bother to reply to applications and puts unreasonably high expectations alongside unreasonably low wages.

Guess Undheit
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idiot companies want thousands of applicants so they can pressure and low bid someone, but they get pi$$y because people look for whichever job pays the most. Typical.

GalPalAl
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being a recruiter with that kind of advice is helping improve things? How so? Do you take the jobs that candidates failed from using your advice during the interview?

tori Ohno
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I counted them, 15 resumes sent out, 2 interviews offered, 3 answered back that they were no longer hiring for the position. You bet I'm interviewing and applying with as many as I can.

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#9

"How I Got A Job At Big 4 Being In My 20s."

"How I Got A Job At Big 4 Being In My 20s."

IndieDiscovery Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is exactly how Donald Trump got every job he ever had before The Apprentice. That may be the only job he EVER interviewed for.

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If you’re fresh out of college, landing a job would be an uphill battle in 2024. According to research by SHL Global, companies are downsizing their hiring of new graduates by 5.8% in 2024. The reason: AI is slowly replacing entry-level jobs. 

But surprisingly, it hasn’t deterred the optimism of graduates from honing their skills and building a career. Handshake’s report noted, “[Graduates] are clear on their priorities—stability, location, and an employer’s reputation as a great place to work.”

#12

And Being Told "You're At The Upper Salary Band"

And Being Told "You're At The Upper Salary Band"

supercitrusfruit Report

You may want to narrow down your choices if the job market is overly saturated. In a viral TikTok video, recruiter Kourtlynn Faith advises being more intentional about your approach to the job search. 

Instead of applying for multiple roles in every LinkedIn job opening in your industry, Faith recommends going after specific roles you know you would be a good fit for. A more strategic approach may boost your chances of landing a job that suits you best.

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#13

Solid Advice From The Man Himself

Solid Advice From The Man Himself

EliasAinzworth , Adam_Karpiak Report

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Sven Horlemann
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. But then it is already too late, as you are sitting in the damn interview.

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#15

Oh No It’s Totally Cool, I Love Booking 3 Separate Meetings To Be Bailed On Each Time By Someone With Crap Grammar

Oh No It’s Totally Cool, I Love Booking 3 Separate Meetings To Be Bailed On Each Time By Someone With Crap Grammar

grandoldduke500 Report

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Apatheist Account2
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a bit harsh if one's internet crashes. The smart ones will use their mobile as a point of presence if required.

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We’d also like to hear from you, readers. Have you been in a frustrating job search where a recruiter made it more difficult for you? If so, how did you handle the situation? Let us know in the comments!

#16

Ayo This Lady Working For UPS Really Tried To Get Free Labor Out Of Me Lol

Ayo This Lady Working For UPS Really Tried To Get Free Labor Out Of Me Lol

Internal_Gift_185 Report

#18

Listen Up!

Listen Up!

misticpoetry Report

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nicholas nolan
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While true, it's also a quick way to lose the four weeks of vacation I get annually. Yes, Europeans, I know. I know you get 18 weeks of vacation, weekends, 75 floating holidays, 1500 euro bar credit in Grand Cayman, a new sunhat, and 25 first class Lufthansa tickets every year. I know, boo. But unless you want to sponsor me as an immigrant or something, I don't care. I'm stuck here. Thanks.

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#19

I'm Tired Of Recruiters Avoiding My Questions And Playing Dumb

I'm Tired Of Recruiters Avoiding My Questions And Playing Dumb

reddrick Report

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Upstaged75
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate this game!! Just tell us the salary range up front!!!!!

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#22

Absolutely Stupid Hr

Absolutely Stupid Hr

CookieMonsteeUmUmUm Report

#23

I'm So Fed Up With Recruiters Reaching Out To Me With Insultingly Low Rates For Short Term Contract Work When They Can See I Have A Full Time Job Already

I'm So Fed Up With Recruiters Reaching Out To Me With Insultingly Low Rates For Short Term Contract Work When They Can See I Have A Full Time Job Already

Beastly173 Report

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Igor914624
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep getting calls from recruiters. Recruiter: "You are a great fit"? Me: "What is the salary range?" Recruiter: "$XX.00/hour" Me: "That is half of what I am making now."

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#24

Just Why Tho

Just Why Tho

SquidSlothXL Report

#25

Rejection Letter For A Us Remote Job. Company Thought New Mexico Was "International"

Rejection Letter For A Us Remote Job. Company Thought New Mexico Was "International"

ccricers Report

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#27

Onion

Onion

prasharma Report

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lies you have to tell in an interview it is ridiculous. "Yes I have always wanted to work in this firm even though I had never heard of them until I saw the job advertisement."

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#28

It Feels Good To Reject An Job After Again After 6 Years

It Feels Good To Reject An Job After Again After 6 Years

yes_u_suckk Report

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Jane
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Questions like this are designed to see how you handle stress. Any answer is acceptable. If you freeze up, that tells them something. If you answer with humour, that tells them something. If you ask follow up questions about how many seatbelts are on the bus, that tells them something. It's like a personality test. Just give a random number if you can't come up with a witty response. Every interview I've ever had included a nonsense question. If I rejected every company for this reason, I wouldn't have a job.

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#30

What's The Asterisk For Subway? What's The Asterisk For!? [oc]

What's The Asterisk For Subway? What's The Asterisk For!? [oc]

Desert-Frost Report

#31

Was Looking At Truck Driving Jobs And Saw This

Was Looking At Truck Driving Jobs And Saw This

yogravy Report

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Alexa Saltz
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No females? I am a female CDL driver. I have logged over one million miles - accident/incident free. I have never had a load refused. What is it about gender that offends? Because I pee sitting down?

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#32

I Am Seriously Out Of Words..... There Needs To Be A Hell On This World Also For Recruiters

I Am Seriously Out Of Words..... There Needs To Be A Hell On This World Also For Recruiters

Budget_Green Report

#33

Applied For This Job 2 Months Ago, Now The Recruiter Wants A Same Day Or Next Day Interview. Asked Me To Use Skype To Schedule. Should I Say Noon Again? Maybe In All Caps?

Applied For This Job 2 Months Ago, Now The Recruiter Wants A Same Day Or Next Day Interview. Asked Me To Use Skype To Schedule. Should I Say Noon Again? Maybe In All Caps?

spiciestkitten Report

#34

Called Out For Being Stingy. Butthurt Company Further Tarnished Own Reputation With Their Explanation

Called Out For Being Stingy. Butthurt Company Further Tarnished Own Reputation With Their Explanation

Hammerlight98 Report

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Demand for an internship is much higher than supply; even unpaid" Translation the job market is so s**t and people are so desperate for a job we will exploit that for free labour.

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#35

Already Had A Bad Feeling About This Job So They Made The Decision Easy For Me 😂

Already Had A Bad Feeling About This Job So They Made The Decision Easy For Me 😂

Garden_ho_9681 Report

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SnootWaggling Fox
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for Verizon and Samsung getting advertising in here. Can't believe the recruiter didn't change that signature

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Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.