A Reddit user recently shared a list of baffling reasons hiring managers cite for turning down candidates, revealing how subjective bias can often cloud recruitment decisions. The Reddit post explained that the user’s cousin, a hiring manager at a large company, disclosed some peculiar factors influencing rejection. These factors, which go beyond the candidate's skills or experience, range from appearance to social behavior. One reason mentioned was being “overly confident,” while another claimed that candidates who were “too attractive” could be rejected for potentially being a distraction in the workplace.
Additional reasons on the list included inappropriate interview attire, projecting desperation, smiling too much, and using excessive filler words. Even details like weak handshakes or failing to ask the right questions during interviews were cited as grounds for rejection. Interestingly, the reasons seemed more focused on subjective impressions than measurable competence.
What netizens said
The post sparked debate online, with many users expressing disbelief at how personal biases shape hiring decisions. Some criticized the trivial nature of these criteria, suggesting that companies are more interested in hiring based on “vibes” rather than professionalism. Others pointed out the irony—candidates are expected to be perfect, but the criteria for perfection remain unclear and unspoken.
One commenter humorously remarked that a handshake with the wrong amount of pressure could ruin an applicant's chances. Another noted that hiring managers appear to have little understanding of how these superficial judgments affect job performance. A user shared frustration over the emphasis on behaviors like “confidence,” which can be misinterpreted as arrogance, adding that the scrutiny job seekers face today often feels unjust.
Many respondents concluded that these bizarre rejections reflect the inherent biases in recruitment rather than legitimate professional evaluations. The post highlighted the gap between hiring practices and fairness, underscoring how some companies may place more value on subjective impressions than actual skills.
In an edit to the post, the original poster expressed disagreement with their cousin’s views, stating that as someone navigating the job market, they found these criteria misguided.
Additional reasons on the list included inappropriate interview attire, projecting desperation, smiling too much, and using excessive filler words. Even details like weak handshakes or failing to ask the right questions during interviews were cited as grounds for rejection. Interestingly, the reasons seemed more focused on subjective impressions than measurable competence.
What netizens said
The post sparked debate online, with many users expressing disbelief at how personal biases shape hiring decisions. Some criticized the trivial nature of these criteria, suggesting that companies are more interested in hiring based on “vibes” rather than professionalism. Others pointed out the irony—candidates are expected to be perfect, but the criteria for perfection remain unclear and unspoken.
One commenter humorously remarked that a handshake with the wrong amount of pressure could ruin an applicant's chances. Another noted that hiring managers appear to have little understanding of how these superficial judgments affect job performance. A user shared frustration over the emphasis on behaviors like “confidence,” which can be misinterpreted as arrogance, adding that the scrutiny job seekers face today often feels unjust.
Many respondents concluded that these bizarre rejections reflect the inherent biases in recruitment rather than legitimate professional evaluations. The post highlighted the gap between hiring practices and fairness, underscoring how some companies may place more value on subjective impressions than actual skills.
In an edit to the post, the original poster expressed disagreement with their cousin’s views, stating that as someone navigating the job market, they found these criteria misguided.
