The job market can be tough, and the wait to hear back about all-important applications can feel like an eternity, but one recruiter's message to an inquiring applicant has stunned internet users.
In a post on Reddit titled, "Bro, my friend just got cooked by a LinkedIn recruiter," a poster, who wished to remain anonymous, sparked debate about professionalism and hiring practices.
The poster told Newsweek he was so stunned by the message chain that he decided to share it on Reddit: "The tone felt dismissive and unprofessional. I posted it because it felt so absurd—I thought others might relate to how frustrating the job application process can be," he said. "The reaction has been incredible, and it's clear many people have experienced similar situations."
Shared on the r/csMajors subreddit, the post included screenshots of a recruiter's messages between the poster and his friend who had applied for a software engineering internship. When the job applicant inquired about the application and some advice on standing out, the reply was unexpected.
The recruiter said: "Honestly? There are 3000+ applicants for this role. My advice? Hope." Subsequent messages ranged from indifferent ("If you're lucky? A month. If not? Well … you'll figure it out.") to outright dismissive: "Actually, never mind. Save yourself the trouble. Thanks for applying, and best of luck with your search."
On Reddit, the post gained lots of attention, with thousands of upvotes and comments, and the response was divided.
Some users said the recruiter lacked professionalism. "Jesus! He's representing that company. He should be more professional," one commenter wrote. But others found humor in the situation, with another writing: "I respect the honesty, low-key. 'Bro, your best friend is the grace of God at this point.'"
The post also prompted a larger conversation about the state of hiring—particularly in competitive industries like tech.
While the demand for technology professionals continues to grow across the U.S., Forbes revealed earlier this year that tech workers in California—with its high concentration of tech giants in startup areas such as Silicon Valley—make an average annual wage of $143,670.
Despite potentially high rewards, job openings in the tech sector fell to a three-year low in 2024. This is alongside a wave of tech layoffs and share price drops at tech companies.
Candidates in the sector often report impersonal rejections or long periods of uncertainty, which can feel dehumanizing. Meanwhile, recruiters face immense pressure to sift through thousands of applications, leading to communication breakdowns.
Perhaps most shocking, despite the exchange, the applicant did, weeks later, receive a follow-up email inviting him to the next stage of the hiring process. In an update post titled "My boy actually got a callback," the Reddit user humorously noted the irony of the situation, calling it a "social experiment."
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