On a Reddit post that's currently going viral in r/recruitinghell, a job seeker shared a shocking email exchange that perfectly encapsulates why the subreddit exists in the first place.
The post, titled "HR got mad after I rejected the interview call," has struck a nerve with thousands of users who are tired of the double standards in recruitment processes.
The Setup: A Simple Decline Turns Into a Lecture
The situation seemed straightforward enough. The original poster (OP) had applied for a position weeks earlier but had since accepted another job offer and started working.
When the company finally followed up with an interview request, the candidate did what many consider the professional thing to do: they declined and clearly communicated they'd already accepted another offer.
What happened next left the internet stunned.
The Email That Launched a Thousand Comments
Instead of a simple acknowledgment or a professional "thank you for letting us know," the HR representative sent a three-paragraph email that reads more like a performance review than a response to a declined interview:
"I'm extremely disappointed with how you handled our interview request."
The email goes on to lecture the candidate about professionalism, responsibility, and respect for other people's time. The HR manager wrote that "failing to take or respond properly to a scheduled interview call reflects a lack of professionalism and responsibility," and accused the candidate of ignoring the process rather than communicating clearly.
The kicker? The candidate had communicated clearly. They'd already declined weeks earlier.
The Irony Isn't Lost on Anyone
Reddit user Jets237 summed it up perfectly in the top comment: "You didn't break up with u,s we're breaking up with you, so there!"
Another user, Wastedyouth86, shared their own experience: "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."
The sentiment echoes throughout the comment section that companies ghost candidates regularly, send automated rejections (if any response at all), and expect applicants to remain available indefinitely.
But when a candidate exercises the same agency and moves on with their career, suddenly it's a breach of professional ethics?
The Double Standard That Won't Die
This incident highlights a persistent problem in modern recruitment: the expectation that candidates should treat every opportunity as their top priority while companies treat applicants as interchangeable and disposable.
Consider these common scenarios that candidates face:
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Radio silence after interviews: Candidates spend hours preparing, interviewing, and following up, only to never hear back
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Last-minute cancellations: Interview slots are cancelled with little notice or explanation
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Weeks of delays: Companies take their time with hiring decisions while expecting candidates to remain in limbo
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Automated rejections: Generic emails that don't even acknowledge the time invested in the application
Yet when candidates withdraw from consideration after accepting another offer which is exactly what companies advise you to do when you find the right fit some recruiters respond with indignation.
What the Candidate Did Right?
Let's be clear about what actually happened here:
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The candidate applied for a job
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They received another offer and accepted it
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They communicated their decision to decline the interview
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They moved on with their professional life
This is textbook professional behavior. The candidate didn't ghost anyone, didn't string the company along, and didn't waste anyone's time. They made a decision and communicated it clearly.
The Reality Check Companies Need
One commenter, am710, shared an equally telling anecdote: "I declined a job offer once, and they sent me a letter stating that they were going with another candidate."
This perfectly illustrates the pettiness that sometimes emerges when companies aren't in control of the narrative. It's the corporate equivalent of "I was going to break up with you anyway."
What This Means for Job Seekers?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here's what you should know:
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You don't owe endless availability to companies that reached out weeks or months ago. Once you've accepted another position, you have every right—and frankly, the professional obligation—to decline other opportunities.
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Communication is courtesy, not requirement. While it's polite to let recruiters know you're no longer interested, you're not obligated to remain in their candidate pool indefinitely.
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Their frustration is not your problem. If a company is upset that you moved on with your career, that's a reflection of their unrealistic expectations, not your lack of professionalism.
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Document everything. As this case shows, having a record of your communications can be invaluable if a recruiter tries to flip the script.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is based on a publicly shared Reddit post and email screenshot that went viral on social media. While we've presented the information as shared by the original poster, we cannot independently verify all details of the interaction. Names, identifying information, and company details have been redacted to protect privacy.
The content of this article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional career advice. Every job search situation is unique, and readers should consult with qualified career counselors or employment attorneys for advice specific to their circumstances.
