A harsh rejection email shared on Reddit this week has ignited debate over how far employers can—or should—go when turning down a job applicant.
In a now-viral post, a Reddit user going by the name “Weary-Spring419” described his experience applying for a consultant position. As per the job listing’s instructions, he sent his application directly to the company’s CEO. However, within 12 hours, he received a blunt and scathing response.
The CEO dismissed the application as “irrelevant” and accused the candidate of failing to do the “minimum of research” before applying.
The CEO went on to clarify that the company was specifically seeking candidates with a completed master’s degree or prior consultant experience — qualifications the applicant did not possess.
“There is an open Business Analyst position which is part-time and for candidates still doing their master’s,” the CEO wrote in the email.
The response didn’t end there. The CEO further chastised the applicant, writing: “The fact that you haven’t bothered to do a minimum of research, and decided to waste my time … strikes me as a clear sign that you are not a very good fit.”
The rejection email quickly drew widespread attention on Reddit, with many users criticizing the CEO’s tone as unprofessional and unnecessarily harsh. Others speculated that such strong wording could be indicative of broader issues within the company’s culture.
While firm rejections are not uncommon, experts say that professionalism and clear communication are essential, even when a candidate misses the mark. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the balance between setting clear expectations for applicants and maintaining respect and professionalism in all stages of the hiring process.
As companies compete for top talent, the way they handle rejections can leave a lasting impression — not only on candidates but also on potential future applicants who are paying attention.
