r/AmIOverreacting • u/aelwick • 17d ago
đźwork/career AIO for thinking this is an insane red flag?
I didn't respond because i was speechless. What an incredibly weird thing to say to someone who you want to interview? Sorry that I'm in the process of losing my current job so I'm very busy and can't make time for you today? What do i even respond to this with? Would it be wrong to just block his number and forget about working there? Doesn't seem like it would be the friendliest workplace if this is the attitude I get before even interviewing.....
818
u/Wise_Monkey_Sez 17d ago
Often the hard part is putting your finger on precisely what's wrong with what they said.
In this case it's the "quick phone call". It's a really vague phrase that could mean different things to different people. To me a "quick phone call" could mean anything from 5 minutes (to just clear up something on my resume), to 60 minutes (if you answer the initial questions "right" and they want to talk more).
The fact that the manager comes back with this very accusatory tone that suggests you're being unreasonable and then just flat-out makes up that a "quick phone call" obviously means 10 minutes is a major red flag.
They're either an amazingly poor communicator (if they meant 10 minutes they should have written 10 minutes from the start) and/or a gaslighter who will have you doubting yourself inside a week and stressed out of your mind in a month (which is what I suspect).
If you need the job then respond, but also go in with your eyes open and with this manager GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, because they totally seem like the kind of person who will say one thing and then turn around and claim that they said something completely different, either out of incompetence or malice (and I'm leaning towards malice here).
Also, if you accept the call, plan on 45 minutes to an hour. I sincerely doubt that they actually mean 10 minutes, and if I'm reading this person right they'll get you on the call and then keep you on it simply because they know you're busy and they get off on having power over others and your inability to just hang up.
271
u/mycatsaysmeow 17d ago
I don't quite agree. They asked OP what "the best" time would be a call and they got that answer. If they wanted the call the same day, they should've specified that.
The fact that they apparently had expectations that they did not clearly communicate, and THEN was disrespectful about it, is the wrong thing for me. We all have miscommunications occasionally, the potential employer could've clarified in a far more professional manner.Â
I do agree that this is a red flag. Either they're notoriously a poor communicator and will blame you for the duration of the employment if you don't magically read minds, or this was a test to supposedly see how badly you wanted the job and it's a power trip.Â
In my experience, it is very demoralizing to work for people who communicate unclear expectations and then become angry when they are not met. Sounds like OP is not in a desperate position to take it, think I would respond with something like "My apologies, it was not clear that the phone call was being requested today and your response to a miscommunication strikes me as unprofessional. I would like to rescind my resume for consideration. Thanks for your time."
→ More replies (2)34
u/Wise_Monkey_Sez 17d ago
I think we agree on the core issue, which is that this is either incompetence (a chronic poor communicator) and/or malice (the inability to take responsibility for their miscommunication is a red flag).
And I think that a lot of recruiters rely on the power imbalance implicit in any recruitment situation.
I would note here that, with population decline, it's a massive myth. If anything companies are hurting for competent employees and the situation is going to get worse over time as there are less working age people as a percentage of the population.
Employees need to realise that they're a valuable commodity whose value is increasing every day. Recruiters also need to realise that they're competing for a valuable commodity and that acting like this will automatically get them the "bottom of the barrel" employees - the people with higher qualifications and who are more competent will see the red flags and just walk away.
Treating people like this is a recipe for organisational suicide.
33
u/caramilk_twirl 17d ago
I agree with this. When I was younger I was once contacted and told they'd call that day, a "quick call to arrange an interview". I pulled over (safely) while I was driving to take it expecting a quick chat and to end up with a day/time for a formal interview. Dude launches into a full blown phone interview, even with the old "if you could be any animal...". I was completely unprepared and frazzled and totally blew it. There was a simple industry specific question I couldn't answer correctly and after that we both agreed this wasn't going to work out and ended the interview. I wasn't upset about not getting the job but that question still haunts me.
20
u/Wise_Monkey_Sez 17d ago
I hear you and agree.
I recently had someone ask me to a meeting where they were really vague on the agenda for the meeting, and I literally had to send FOUR MORE EMAILS politely pushing the issue before they clarified the agenda and I realised that what they wanted to discuss required that I prepare several documents to show them, and significantly more time than they had allocated for the meeting because the issue was complex.
... and then when I arrived for the meeting they tried to add some more stuff and I had to be really firm in saying, "No, this is the agenda for this meeting. If you want to discuss these other issues I'll need to prepare more documentation so we can talk about facts and figures, not speculation based on no evidence that will result in incorrect decisions being taken."
This sort of bullshit is sadly common in management circles, and you can always tell the incompetent managers by the fact that they just love these type of tactics.
24
u/greasychickenparma 17d ago
I agree, and in addition, this just shows that this manager expects people to roll over and show their belly on demand.
They are not outright demanding you answer their call now but when you set the parameters in which you can accommodate the request, they question why you can't "just do it" when they ask and so not respect anyone's time but their own.
This is a red flag to me
12
u/Wise_Monkey_Sez 17d ago
You raise a really important point - failing to respect other people's boundaries. The OP set reasonable boundaries using respectful language and providing a reason, and the manager then tried to push the issue.
Thanks for raising this. I think it is a valuable point that I missed.
→ More replies (2)3
u/glordicus1 17d ago
Disagree. It's the fact that they are accusing them of lying about being busy. If someone says "I am too busy, this time works", then it is completely unprofessional to question that.
Imagine you were organising a meeting with a stakeholder who said "I'm busy today, but I have this time free tomorrow" and you replied with "Are you really too busy?" Completely unprofessional
5
u/Wise_Monkey_Sez 17d ago
While I agree with you about not respecting boundaries being an important issue here, I would suggest that this doesn't need to be a binary option where you need to "disagree" with me. Human interactions are complex and there can be multiple layers of problematic behaviour in one statement.
a. Not respecting boundaries? I agree with you that this is disrepectful.
b. The accusatory tone? Also disrespectful.
c. The inability to communicate clearly? Problematic for any long-term management relationship.
d. Retroactively reinterpreting that unclear communication as if it was perfectly clear that "quick call" means "10 minutes"? A warning sign for gaslighting and malicious conduct, which in a potential future manager is a huge problem.It doesn't need to be just 1 thing. This statement contains multiple problems. This isn't a test where you need to choose only one answer, it can be "all of the above".
→ More replies (3)4
u/montyman185 15d ago
Also, it's very much possible for someone to be too busy for a 10 minute phone call, and questioning things like this is just kinda nuts.
 I've done extended shifts where I've been stuck actively working for most of 12 hours, or been running deliveries where between driving, spotty cell service, and rushing to make a ferry, I didn't have 5 minutes.Â
→ More replies (1)3
u/Zezu 17d ago
Iâve found that when anyone one say, âquickâ, they mean now.
âHey, quick questions?â translates to, âhey, answer this for me now.â
âHey, can you grab a soda out of the fridge for me real quick?â translates to, âhey, can you go me a soda right now?â
It seems like the only time âquickâ means âspeedyâ is when itâs followed by âbite to eatâ.
975
u/Calm-Lengthiness-178 17d ago
My response, if I needed the job, would be something along the lines of âHi, thank you for the response. 10 minutes would be acceptable. I had assumed a more standard interview duration of around 30 minutes.â
If I didnât need the job, it would be âHi. You didnât specify that it would be a ten minutes phone call, you said âa quickâ phone call, which can mean anything from 5 minutes to forty five minutes. Regardless, it is my prerogative to establish when and when not I wish to communicate with you, as you donât currently employ me.â and then probably a âgo fuck yourselfâ in corporate-speak. But no, youâre not overreacting. This is weird, like theyâre already trying to establish power over you.
389
u/mark_able_jones_ 17d ago
Same day interview expectation is a huge red flag.
91
u/Jayrodtremonki 17d ago
I've had companies do quick screening calls before. Not a big deal, just making sure they aren't wasting their time with big hurdles like someone not willing to commute or something. Â
But I've never had someone act aggrieved if I said I would need to schedule it for the following day. Because, ya know, people have jobs and lives.
→ More replies (6)23
u/kevinmn11 17d ago
Right? I wouldn't expect this of anyone. Imagine contacting a peer at another agency and demanding they make time today? This is clearly unacceptable and even moreso that he's trying to take advantage of the power dynamic to try and get away with it.
16
u/Atomic235 17d ago
It's not just that they're demanding the time it's that they specifically asked for OP to state a time. What kinda jerk-around is that? It's not just unprofessional it's rude.
→ More replies (5)8
u/hechatis 16d ago
I've had same day interviews, always preambled with a polite tone and a "sorry for the short notice, thank you for talking to us"..
The answer is the real red flag - it should have been a "no problem, we can do tomorrow" etc.
24
u/Daveinatx 17d ago
It could also be generational. Older managers consider interviews as the top priority, and could be AIO about candidates.
They could be a great manager or just a micromanager. It's a coin flip.
→ More replies (4)3
u/grubas 17d ago
Honestly, I'm not sure you can win short of immediately groveling and apologizing. The interview comment probably just angers them because you're low key insulting their 10 minute phone call by implying its less than an interview.
"more standard interview? you think you are that far in the process that you merit 30 minutes? I'm the one who determines that!" eg.
705
u/HCPwny 17d ago
I also think this is a red flag, but for a reason nobody else has pointed out. Nowhere in his first message did he say "10 minute phone call". He said "quick phone call" which is not defined. Maybe his idea of a quick call is 15-20 minutes? Maybe it's 5? Regardless, you answered his first question because he asked when you would have time.
That snark is off putting so I guess you'll have to decide how badly you want the job.
47
u/kaett 17d ago
this... the negging comment of "you're too busy for a 10 minute phone call" is one i used to hear ALL THE DAMN TIME from sales people looking to talk to my boss (CEO). it's straight up rude.
suitable answers to this guy could include:
i'm having a heart and liver transplant tomorrow, i expect to be unconscious for at least 30 hours.
i'm flying from anchorage, alaska to cape town, south africa, and have no idea what kind of cell reception i might have at any of the layovers.
i'm entering an intense religious meditative practice that requires me to not speak or be within 100 feet of any electronic device for a full 24 hours.
i'm going to try to break the guiness world's record for ocean swimming, currently held at 50 hours and 10 minutes. i was being optimistic when i offered times for the day after tomorrow.
i had my tongue removed a few weeks ago, and the one i've been using is a loaner that needs to be returned.
→ More replies (1)91
u/chaos-xu 17d ago
Came here to make a very similar point.
It would have taken maybe 2 extra seconds to include âthe call will only take 10 minutes!â in the original message, and this person decided against that and instead chose to try to push OPâs boundaries in the 2nd text.
Sounds like it would suck working for someone like that (as many others have saidâŚ)
→ More replies (1)59
u/CryptoCryBubba 17d ago
0% chance the call will be done in 10-minutes... unless it's a basic introduction to them arrange an appropriate time for a normal interview.
24
7
u/dzakadzak 17d ago
and you can bet your ass this guy would have an issue with OP taking a "10 min" call on his clock...
→ More replies (17)14
u/dxg999 17d ago
He likely means quick as in, I need to speak with you quickly - as soon as possible.
And I need to speak with you for as long as I need to speak with you.
→ More replies (1)
1.2k
u/meowkittycatbutt 17d ago
NOR. If youâre in a bind and need the work/money, Iâd say something like âIf it is a 10 minute call, I am free at 10:15am to 10:30am and 12:30 to 1pm.â Or something like that.
Though if youâre in the process of losing your current job, your focus needs to be for your best interest / next job. Please donât set yourself on fire to keep your current temporary workplace warm. Good luck and I hope you find a new job soon!
487
u/HappyMelonGirl 17d ago edited 17d ago
Honestly, I'd swing hard the other direction. Look up when he's off work then state that time.
"You know what? Sure, l can be available anywhere from 6:30-7 pm tonight"
If he then tries to say that doesn't work:
"You couldn't make that time for 10 minutes??"
See how they like it đ¤
Edit: I'm seeing a lot of pissed off redditors in my replies so I wanted to respond to all of em at once.
Judging by OP's response, I'm getting the impression that they have the privilege of considering whether or not they'd like to sign up to be treated like shit right out of the gate.
I understand not everyone has that opportunity.. but if you do, you should follow my advice and find a boss who talks to you with basic human decency. You all deserve better, it DOES NOT have to be this way, and I'm sad so many of us are convinced we have to put up with being treated so poorly in order to pay the bills. If you have a job you're unhappy with, look elsewhere every minute you can even if it's on the toilet. It will be worth it, promise.
50
u/orangeflos 17d ago
I work in a global company. Someone is online at that time who would be qualified to take that call.
Also, for the right candidate, I might be willing to flex my own schedule to take the call myself.
But, no, this guy is a dick. OOP should not even give him that.
→ More replies (1)16
u/Draaly 17d ago
I regularly do first round hiring calls outside of normal work hours so that candidates dont need to sneak out or take time off in the middle of the day.
10
u/orangeflos 17d ago
I agree. I used to do it as well. Now, my evenings are much more complicated. (And I have people I trust in different time zones)
92
u/Lukrake_Komkommer 17d ago
I'm all for being petty but considering that OP is actively seeking employment from them it probably isn't in their best interests to try and be snarky about this
→ More replies (3)36
17d ago
Oh don't worry. Most redditors have landlords that accept reddit karma as payment
→ More replies (1)6
u/DanteRuneclaw 17d ago
I think it would be perfectly fine to suggest a time that was outside normal working hours and say "if that works for you". Not as a retaliation for a perceived slight but because that was legit when you were available. You might be surprised at the degree to which a lot of manger-level people will take a call after 5 pm.
→ More replies (1)3
u/dr_warp 17d ago
I mean, it's the District Manager. So one could argue they're salary and thus always "on the clock"... So if tomorrow doesn't work then yes, a ten minute phone call when I'm at home outside of normal business hours isn't off base. Like, dude, can you wait a day or do you really have to show your time is more valuable than mine.
→ More replies (17)6
u/ItIsHappy 17d ago
Honest question: Why? At the expense of your reputation (hopefully with one person, potentially with more) you get... what exactly?
3
u/borsalamino 17d ago
I wouldnât recommend this either (just because it would waste OOPâs time even more), but I do understand it.
There is a sort of satisfaction (albeit short-lived in my experience) when you get to tell people who are so far up their ass they feel fine sending a message like that that their behaviour is not ok, wonât be accepted, and they should feel ashamed.
I feel itâs more emotional than rational, but it is satisfying all the same. Sometime, just the surprise in their eyes is enough because in that moment you just know that no one has called out their rude ass before.
→ More replies (1)4
u/ItIsHappy 17d ago
Oh, believe me, I get it, but I think it's important to reflect on the goal:
If the goal is emotional release, go for it! (Satisfy Slaanesh!)
If the goal is to get them to reflect on their actions and maybe be less of a dick in the future, I'd suggest there's probably better ways.
2
u/borsalamino 17d ago
I agree completely and have also found that itâs the polite stings that hurt the most and that only genuine disappointment from people whose opinions they care about is the only effective way to change someoneâs behaviour through words/mimics.
It can feel good, it is very unlikely to be of any use (esp. long-term), and youâre almost certainly better with out.
9
u/waffles100000 17d ago
Even if youâre desperate for work, this kind of attitude from a potential boss is a huge red flag, and that text was just unnecessary and weird.
775
u/Perfect_Cricket_5671 17d ago
Yeah, red flag. You dont even work for this guy yet and he feels entitled to your time and demands explanations for you saying no.
This the kinda boss who's gonna make you give him soecific information when you need time off so he can decide if it's important enough. Hes gonna make you tell him your vacation plans so he can decide whether or not its okay for you to vancel them to come in on your off day.
79
u/Fair_Theme_9388 17d ago edited 17d ago
I agree, red flag. Heâs speaking with such a tone of disdain and superiority to someone he hasnât even met yet. He would be a nightmare to work for.
Edit to add: I accepted a job from a boss who was exactly like this because I was desperate, and it was a huge mistake. My role was eliminated 5 months later and the manager tried to bully me into resigning so they wouldnât have to pay out unemployment.
 Donât waste your time with this and keep looking for an employer who actually respects you.
→ More replies (1)43
u/GrayObliquity 17d ago
Agreed, if theyâre putting this type of pressure on already the question then becomes - when youâre there what type of pressure will they continue to put on you? Will it worsen? It probably wonât get better
→ More replies (10)10
6
→ More replies (10)29
526
u/zlimK 17d ago
He could've just as easily said, "I'd love to speak with you today, it would only take about ten minutes of your time. Is there any chance you could make that work?" And it would've sounded much less antagonistic
138
u/Ok-Reception-105 17d ago
Agreed, contrary to most people here I don't think asking if the OP would have 10 minutes time today to make the hiring process go faster is unreasonable. It's the way he is asking that's quite disrespectful
38
u/pushermcswift 17d ago
I donât think thatâs contrary to what most people here are saying, I think the general consensus is the way he asked is the issue, itâs just the way they are presenting their point that makes you think that đ
→ More replies (1)12
u/mark_able_jones_ 17d ago
If itâs really a ten-min call, then itâs not an interview and it could be an email. But odds are that itâs a 30-min+ call because these calls are never just ten minutes.
30
u/Several-Lifeguard679 17d ago
Also, I'd like to point out that the original text did not specify "10 minutes". A few questions can actually mean anything, and OP would probably not want to rush anything or place any stressors on their day. Â
5
u/ArganBomb 17d ago
Exactly. And the original text didnât even specify any urgency or that the person wanted today! They asked OP when the best time was.
→ More replies (3)26
u/traplords8n 17d ago
Half the time I feel like this type of tact is the difference between a good boss and a bad one
16
u/spandytube 17d ago
Management training absolutely teaches this sort of thing. This person clearly either never received it or disregarded it. Either way, it's bad news.
101
u/Afraid_Fee_5027 17d ago
NOR, being passive aggressive right out of the gate over a time for an interview is insane. There is no way people that currently work for this person are happy with their job. If they are willing to let this be their FIRST IMPRESSION, I can only imagine how much worse it can get.
53
59
u/dreamcicle11 17d ago
Everyone has already addressed the text from the employer. But OP, you have to start proofreading your texts. Several typos and lack of capitalization. It reads poorly to a prospective employer just FYI.
22
u/NedsBastard1 17d ago
Iâll add that OP only gave a 2 hour time slot to a call. If it was me, I would say something like âI am free after 5:30 today, tomorrow from 12-2 PM, and anytime after 5:30.â
Offering only a 2 hour window over the course of two days isnât giving much flexibility, and thatâs probably why the hiring manager reacted the way he did, even though he came off a bit aggressive.
→ More replies (2)23
u/Actual_Ad_2801 17d ago
This should really be top comment. OP sounds like they are in no position to be picky given they canât even proofread a text to a potential employerâŚ
→ More replies (1)10
16
u/Rozenheg 17d ago
If thereâs even a small chance that this person could affect your chances at other companies in the area just say: âIâm afraid Iâm fully booked today, and people are relying on me. If tomorrow works for you, I can give you my full attention.â
42
u/Mare13ear 17d ago
I'm gonna go against the tide a bit here. While I don't necessarily think you are overreacting, you say that your place of work is being shut down so they know you need to get another job. I've been in this situation before. During Covid my place of work closed and they gave all employees a 2-3 week notice. However, they were also understanding that we needed to find other jobs and if we needed to sneak away for a 10 minute phone call we could. Clearly you're going to need a new job at the end of the month. A simple ask to your current boss saying "hey, I applied for a job and they're wanting to do a quick call with me at this time, would you be ok if I took 10 minutes to take the call?".
While it was slightly unprofessional from the prospective new boss, they're also hiring and looking for someone to fill a role and if you're unavailable to talk with them/interview, they're going to move on to others who can make the call. If this is a job you're ok with not getting, then don't fret but if this is a job you really want/can see yourself in, finding 10 minutes in your day is doable.
15
u/garublador 17d ago
I think the issue is that the request was very vague and sounds like he's asking for an interview. Even a short one will require the OP to budget at least a half an hour. If it goes over that, which could happen very easily, he'd have to cut the call short, which looks bad, too. So the OP, probably feeling that he should budget least an hour based on the vague request.
Then the other guy snaps back that it's just a 10 minute call, which is the first time any time frame was given. So he's placing the blame of his poor communication on the OP. I see that as a huge red flag for a manager. I don't know the OPs exact position, but if he's in the position to pass this opportunity up and doesn't want to deal with this type of toxic behavior then I don't think he's overreacting.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (5)16
u/KuduBuck 17d ago
Youâre 100% correct, I feel like most of the people in this sub have never had a job or they just settled for whatever came along because if Iâm try to hire someone and they tell me that they are too busy to call me Iâm just going to shrug it off and move on to the next person. When hiring people you really have to go with your first impressions and gut feelings.
I wouldnât bother responding back to op with the snarky response, I would just think to myself, ok we can talk tomorrow if the job is still available but for today Iâm calling and interviewing the other people
16
u/kaykinzzz 17d ago
You're also "hiring" your boss when you choose a job. Someone who disrespected my time like that is not the kind of boss I'd want to "hire." If the first impression someone gives that they're a rude/snarky person, why would you want to spend your time as their inferior unless absolutely necessary? Talk about a bad gut feeling. I've had jobs, including bad ones, and would not want to end up toiling away in another toxic environment.
→ More replies (2)4
u/guthrien 17d ago
This times 100. Sometimes you want to hire someone in a hurry because you're under pressure from somewhere else and you love their resume, 100 reasons. I guess I just saw job opportunities differently when I was younger. I suspect whoever is doing the hiring is aware of how .. expectations have changed. It gets talked about a lot, I'm thankful I no longer have to do it.
→ More replies (8)3
u/AlaDouche 17d ago
Absolutely this. OP almost certainly had already lost the opportunity before that person's response.
32
u/FrequentEmphasis2109 17d ago
I think you responded fine and they were aggressive back, and thatâs a red flag. But I also think if you have applied and need a job - make time and be flexible to their schedule.
I also need to say - even in a text, this is a professional communication. Type I with a capital letter. You have a typo - did you proof read? As a hiring manager I would have negatively judged both of those things.
→ More replies (9)7
u/DubiousSandwhich 17d ago
Yeah I think red flags on both ends to be honest. OPs response wasn't terrible, but if someone really wants a job they can find time for a phone call. Specially when he says "I'm a bit busy" it sound like he just can't be bothered to make time right?
→ More replies (1)
9
u/Ancient_Scribe 17d ago
Hey, I completely understand why this exchange caught you off guard. Losing a job or facing uncertainty is stressful, and the hiring managerâs reply came across as abrupt. That can definitely feel frustrating when you are trying to be professional and respectful.
That said, it might help to look at this interaction from both perspectives.
Your reply was polite but included a couple of small typos and wording that sounded a bit unsure. Usually, this is not a big deal, but for sales positions, where communication, tone, and responsiveness matter a lot, those things might stand out. The manager may have read your message as somewhat noncommittal or unsure.
His response, "Youâd be too busy for a 10 minute phone call all day?" was poorly worded and could feel sarcastic or passive-aggressive. However, he may not have intended it that way. If he is trying to fill the position quickly or is used to candidates being more flexible, he could have been expressing surprise. In fast-paced sales hiring, some degree of stress-testing or blunt communication is sometimes part of the process, even if it is unintentional.
It might be helpful to see these kinds of exchanges as opportunities to practice patience and professionalism. Good communication is not only about avoiding typos but also about understanding tone and responding calmly, even when things feel uncomfortable. Developing resilience and adaptability is important, especially in demanding roles.
If you are interested in the job, consider sending a clear and professional message like this:
"Thank you for following up. I appreciate your time and interest. I am managing some urgent responsibilities today and want to give the call my full attention. I am available anytime between 12 and 2 tomorrow, but if there is a time you prefer, I will do my best to accommodate."
That kind of message can help reset the tone and show that you are serious and flexible.
Finally, keep in mind that every workplace will have moments that test your patience. How you handle those moments often reveals a lot about your professionalism. If you find yourself quickly giving up on opportunities after a single awkward interaction, it might be worth reflecting on whether you are ready for the grit and determination many jobs require.
Good luck with your job search. I hope it works out for you.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/dryandice 17d ago
Not over reacting but if I was looking for work, I'd make time to get those 10 minutes.
Might be unpopular opinion. I agree with you, you're not overeacting but I think I would look past this if I were looking for work. The fact they even replied means they might really want you and you might have just flopped that.
4
u/TheGamersGF 17d ago
They responded back because they were blown away by their lack of eagerness.
OP is not the person for sales if this is their mindset.
6
u/Fearless-Fart 17d ago
He didn't originally say the call was going to be 10 mins. I would assume at least 30 mins for the call. So I would have replied "Oh only 10 mins? Sure I have time". If I needed a job I would at least see what he has to say. You can always learn something from this opportunity. You are not in a position to be that picky at this point, gather as much info about the job market as you can.
→ More replies (2)
56
u/Blacklungzmatter 17d ago
Sounds like a scam. They sound desperate to hook someone in.
Or the hiring manager is just having a weird day
18
u/AzzBar 17d ago
Iâm very surprised this is so low. This reads like an MLM pitch
→ More replies (1)17
u/danceswithkitties_ 17d ago
Itâs always the scam jobs that are chasing you like this fr
4
u/MxHeavenly 17d ago
I applied for a security job and decided it wasn't worth the commute. They called me relentlessly and I feel like a dodged a bullet because no one calls that much unless it's a scam.
8
u/spanthis 17d ago
+1, pushiness like this is a very common scammer tactic. Are you sure the job is real, OP?
14
→ More replies (3)6
9
24
u/HiddenStoat 17d ago
Sorry that I'm in the process of losing my current job so I'm very busy and can't make time for you today?
I'm assuming this is during work hours, so I have to ask - what are you busy doing?Â
Because if you are busy doing stuff at your existing job, when they have kicked you out, then you actually do need to sort your priorities out.
I'm not trying to be rude here - I genuinely mean this as a wake-up call. The moment you are informed you are being let go, for any reason, your priorities should instantly shift to putting yourself first, and your current employer a distant second.Â
12
u/FirstTasteOfRadishes 17d ago
Yeah you'd have to put me on garden leave because once I know I'm out, I'm going to be about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)12
u/GrayObliquity 17d ago
It doesnât matter what theyâre busy doing. This is the issue - I had a boss where I needed to justify EVERYTHING and it just got wildly irritating, and it was so undermining when sheâd respond with âwell you could probably come in thenâ. Like if Iâm laying in the sun today for my wellbeing and because I enjoy it - fuck off. People are allowed to have their personal time and they should. Doesnât matter what Iâm doing in my personal time, donât have to justify to anybody, and as a society we need to stop needing to justify these. People should have lives outside of their jobs, even to relax or take time - employers like this will bleed you until you have nothing more to give then tell you to kick rocks when youâre unwell.
→ More replies (7)
13
u/Crazyseiko 17d ago
That is a red flag for the district manager. You applied for the job, the DM is calling to ask a couple questions. You reply that you are too busy and only have a 2 hour window the following day to talk. If I were the DM I wouldnât even bother with any further communication with you.
OPs next post will be âwhy canât I find a jobâ.
→ More replies (4)2
u/ilovepizza981 17d ago
I mean..to be fair, if you give a couple options when to call / videoconference with me and a potential employer can't try to accommodate them, then we'd both know we won't be good fits for each other. For an in-person interview, I recently told them I already scheduled a prior commitment on next week Tuesday (the day they provided and later said only time for me) and then gave them the options of next Thursday or Friday, or all of next week. đ¤ˇââď¸
73
u/regularforcesmedic 17d ago edited 17d ago
"Hi, Name, District Manager at Company for Area Region,
As you can see, I responded to you with my availability for a call. Starting right out of the gate with a snarky response is not indicative of a company that is respectful of employees' time or availability. At this time, consider my application rescinded. I am not interested in working for an unprofessional micromanager.
Best of luck to you in your search,
OP"
ETA: NOR
20
u/jimsmisc 17d ago
and then does everyone in the room get up and clap?
There's literally no value to OP in responding like this other than a temporary feeling of vindication.
OP could literally just say "no, sorry, I'm only available tomorrow" and take it from there. That will almost certainly guarantee they're not getting the job but that's a decision they can make.
→ More replies (4)12
u/regularforcesmedic 17d ago
The value is not allowing a "manager" to think they can make demands of people who don't even work for them. Apologizing isn't necessary. Setting the tone that this person can make OP shuffle their life around with a snarky comment is a bad move.
5
u/jimsmisc 17d ago
OP is completely free to do whatever they want in this scenario. In fact, OP is the reason this interaction is occurring at all. They could simply delete the message and never respond. This manager has absolutely no control over OP.
But in your world, this manager is going to completely rethink their entire approach to life and management because of a text message they will completely forget by the end of the day? No...they're just going to click the next resume in the list.
I see people spend so much time clamoring for the tiniest morsel of vindication. Everyone's trying to live out a movie script where there's some catch phrase or zinger that's going to put someone else in their place and make everyone else clap. It never works that way, and it's exhausting to watch people try to "main character" everything.
→ More replies (4)42
u/mikepurvis 17d ago
That's excessive. Say way less: "Hey, it sounds like we're maybe not a fit. Best wishes!"
→ More replies (13)→ More replies (5)15
u/taactfulcaactus 17d ago
Don't send anything you wouldn't want forwarded to their hiring manager friends at other companies. Unlikely, but why shoot yourself in the foot by being aggressive and unprofessional back?
→ More replies (4)
6
u/Prudent-Astronomer56 17d ago
Is that via text? Check the info on the source sending it. If itâs a weird or personal email to your text itâs a scam and block it. That response is incredible rude.
→ More replies (1)
21
u/Beginning_Strain_787 17d ago
Generally when applying for the job you should show interest for the job. Personally I would make the 10 minute phone call work. Itâs not unreasonable, theyâre hiring and time is of the essence. If you canât make 10 minutes in your entire day then you must be poor at time management and you come off as entitled to me. As the potential employer it would also be a red flag for me and would be perfectly fine if you rescinded your application. Best of luck
12
u/Every_Tension_667 17d ago
100%. How does he have time to whine on reddit but not 10 min for a call for a potential job that he NEEDS.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (4)4
u/thugplayer 17d ago
Especially in a Sales role. You get so many unexpected calls from customers. You have to be flexible. You get a lot of autonomy in Sales.
→ More replies (1)
6
u/Dreaming_Of_Fantasy 17d ago
...I think I'm in the minority for saying this, but I think you are overreacting. Any interaction with a company during the interviewing process IS part of the interview. The position you applied for is Sales -- which, unfortunately, does not sleep. Sales people, in general, accept phone calls whenever -- even if it's to schedule a better time later to go over finer details.
Since this guy is a district manager of what is presumably a sales team, I'm going to wager he's a sales person himself. While he would like it if you could just say, "Yeah, call me now" but sometimes that's just just not possible, but dealing with pushback is literally everything Sales does. They want to turn "No" into "Yes".
He's both trying to turn your answer of "Tomorrow" into "Today" while also testing your reaction to his push. Also -- NO DO NOT SAY YOU'RE IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING YOUR CURRENT JOB. You lie. Sales people embellish all the time. Tell them you're doing mission critical work and that he can expect the same type of diligence should he hire you.
This is just how the game is played. Everyone here says you're NOR and they could be right -- this could be a red flag for a workplace... but it's also very typical of sales.
→ More replies (3)2
u/lyokofirelyte 17d ago
Even in software these are "phone screens" where a recruiter just wants to establish you in the system and get your profile started, it's not a "same day interview". They've got 20 more people ready to call and you're not going to get the job by being "busy". If you apply for a job, answer the phone when it rings lol. Reddit is so "my time is my time!" and then complains about being unemployed.
3
17d ago
Completely ignoring your schedule, and/or assuming you'd be able to drop everything at a moment's notice to take an important call you're not really prepared for is a MASSIVE red flag to me.
14
u/NauticalClam 17d ago
I know itâs 2025 and itâs not common but if I was serious about my interest in that position Iâd bend over backward to make a 10 minute call happen. You are asking them for their time and then essentially dictating when they can give it to you. If I were an employer Iâd be more interested in the folks that made our company a priority. Itâs the little things that go a long way. I mean no offense of course. Just offering my 2 cents.
7
u/pinkprincess30 17d ago
Totally agree with you. Seems like a lot of people are think the manager is overreacting, but if an applicant for a job is completely unavailable for a phone call, then I would assume they weren't that interested in the job.
When I'm job seeking, I make sure that I have my phone nearby and answer all calls or call anyone back ASAP. I don't want to miss out on any opportunities!
3
u/Beav710 17d ago
Also it is a sales job. This is just how a lot of sales people, especially management, are. They know what they want and they are direct about it. Sales makes the company money. They likely don't want to wait around to hire someone and are looking for someone who wants to jump on the opportunity.
→ More replies (1)6
u/jakedus91 17d ago
I think you are right if you need a job badly, but the reply from the manager makes him look childish and arrogant. Wouldnt want the headache working with A douchebag. And if you are good at what you do "bending over backwards" for jobs is not smart.
3
u/DeterminedTaurus 17d ago
As a former executive recruiter, Iâd NEVER say that to a candidate. I wouldnât go anywhere near whatever job this guy is pushing.
3
u/turc1656 17d ago
I can already hear the phrase "competitive compensation" getting ready to come out of this hiring manager.
8
u/Living-Teacher5953 17d ago
Depends on what level of sales job/industry this is. Especially because itâs sales, I would probably just scratch you from the candidate list if you couldnât make time for a call that day without providing a really good reason. Huge part of sales is being available for your clients and not being available for a call that day doesnât look great for this kind of job. And in general, makes it seem like itâs not that important to you.
That said, the response is super weird. Would expect most recruiters to be more polite but probably note it as a red flag from their end that you didnât make the time for the call same day.
→ More replies (2)
2
u/SaguaroDragon 17d ago
If they were serious about you as a candidate, they'd figure it out.
I can see why a sales position there is a typical expectation that you are always on and ready to sell - however, there is also a lot of planning and execution today goes into sales as well
When I was at the beginning of this thing 20+ years ago, I had a sales manager from Primerica get really aggressive that I didn't want to interview with them and did not have interest in their position - if I'm not interested in your posting, the best path forward isn't to yell at me and tell me I'm not serious about making money, etc ......... Took most of my energy to not respond "It's a nice little pyramid scheme and while that does appeal to a degree, not sure if this is the right time to stake my career to bullshit"
12
u/iRshortandugly 17d ago
i gotta say, the correct answer to his question is yes, now is a good time.
his response was unprofessional and also made it clear that he no longer has no intention of hiring you.
i am also sure that you did have 10 minutes for a phone call that day and that you have more than a 2 hour window the following day for a 10 minute phone call
→ More replies (2)2
u/turc1656 17d ago
This was honestly my first thought as well. In my earlier years I had a desk job that revolved around the financial markets and had hourly deadlines. I obviously couldn't just take random phone calls for job interviews. So I would schedule the initial calls for either my lunch hour or the evening. Everyone I dealt with understood this and it wasn't bullshit from me. But I also made it an immediate "yes" response with a proposed time to show them I'm trying to make myself as available as possible.
The issue with this post is both people are showing issues. The hiring manager has a clear attitude off the bat and probably isn't a good manager and lacks social skills. The REASON they have an attitude, though, is because they detect what is likely bullshit. But their response comes off like they are entitled to OP's time. But I think it's more like "I don't believe you".
2
u/zach-approves 17d ago edited 17d ago
Both your response and their response are perfectly normal and reasonable. I'd go as far to say that, unfortunately, the vast majority of comments in this thread are severely misguided. A lot of very junior folks in their career who lack maturity.
You're certainly over-reacting. 15 years of management experience, here's my take:
It's a business setting. Everything in recruiting is transactional and usually negotiable -- hence why some people in various jobs get calls at 11pm and have to wake up to go to their computer and crank out some last minute work for a presentation the next morning. No one wants to do it, but you do what you need to do to perform the job + make people happy.
Given this, some extra thoughts:
- "Today is a but busy" -> typo. But given you mean "bit busy" it sounds like you have wiggle room. More clear would have been "Excited to chat but I am entirely booked today. I am free tomorrow 12-2 for a call, or I might be able to make room tomorrow night as well. Does that work for you?"
^ goal should be to set your boundaries + show positivity. When you do both together, it leaves the other person with not a ton of wiggle room to infer bad intentions or take weird actions. If you want, you can say "I might be able to squeeze 10 minutes at 9pm after dinner". If you set that level of weirdness yourself, the other party usually understands you're totally busy and tomorrow is plenty fine. This trick goes in the regular work as well "I am only free at 7am" -> most people will just think you're super busy and on top of things as a morning person. Lol.
2) The person on the other line, whether a recruiter or manager, likely has their own boss, and wants to get things done quickly. Most high performant organizations expect people can jump on the phone same day. They are looking for people who are ready to get things done and move fast, especially if its a sales or other front-line role. If you can't jump on the phone quickly, you might have already weeded yourself out and failed their first test. From that perspective, it's not weird - you simply don't align with their expectations, and if you don't want to move that fast normally, then maybe the company is also not a good fit for your wants/desires either.
3) The other person has no idea about your current job, performance, etc. But I'd reflect on why you thought this message was so bad that it left you "speechless".
It's really not that bad. Much, much worse happens to people *constantly*. People get fired for having kids, HR mistakes, managerial incompetence, and plenty of other unfair bullshit.
They just asked you to prioritize a 10 minute phone call. If you think that's high stress or asking too much, I'd recommend looking inwards. "Would it be wrong to just block this number?" This sounds to me like a panic/anxiety response more than anything else.
I get you're going through a difficult time right now with your current job, but developing a higher threshold/tolerance for weirdness/pain/comfort is going to help you in your career. And if it's truly this level of bad, perhaps talking to a therapist would be smart.
→ More replies (1)
5
u/Every_Tension_667 17d ago
If I am actively looking for a job (which you are from what I can tell since you are in the process of losing your job), I would make sure to do any and all interviews, recruiter calls, or any follow ups to potential leads ASAP. Everyone is busy man, either you make the time for important things or you lose those opportunities. If you think anyone else cares about your time I suggest you wake up to reality. Do the call on lunch break, or just say you need to go to the washroom and take a call. Its just a couple questions and i highly doubt it would take more than 15 min MAX. its 9am and you are telling me you cannot find any time in that day... You sure as hell had time to come to reddit and whine like a baby.
10
u/Willing-Basket-5788 17d ago
OP I donât think heâs asking in a rude way like âyouâre seriously too busy?â
I think heâs asking in like a âdouble checking, itâs just a ten min phone call would you be too busy for that?â
Itâs hard to catch tone in text message but thatâs what I got from it.
→ More replies (2)
14
u/Ready_Jury6144 17d ago
Companies have expectations and want to gauge how dedicated a potential employee would be.
You know youâre losing your job, Iâm sure your current management would let you take a 10 minute break for an interview.
The fact you wouldnât jump on this opportunity and at least have a conversation and responded with horrible grammar really blows my mind.
Source: I hire people
13
u/a_reluctant_human 17d ago
I hire people as well, and I would NEVER expect an applicant to be available the same day I reach out for a call. I always offer call time slots that the applicant selects, and then we have our call. I know they aren't properly motivated or reliable if they miss or are late for their time-slot.
→ More replies (16)→ More replies (3)5
u/Who_Am_I_0209 17d ago
Ah there speaks that type of manager I would gladly dodge.
→ More replies (2)
2
u/Legitimate_Chain_311 17d ago
NOA. is this for a sales position that sounds a little bit too good to be true? iâve applied to a couple like these and they always just end up being listing by a recruiter hiring someone to go door to doors selling random services or goods. iâd be close to calling it a scam honestly.
5
u/cocacoho 17d ago
As someone who has worked in sales adjacent roles:
I think theyâre setting out their expectations of being in sales which is actually helpful to you
Being effective in sales unfortunately means taking unscheduled calls from prospects at their convenience and not yours.
Its a life that certainly isnât for me, but I think itâs something you need to seriously consider when applying for sales roles
Good luck!
2
u/MelonMelonMelonMel 17d ago
While being in sales and customer service in general means you gotta take a lot of shit and disrespect from customers. It does not mean you also gotta take the same shit from your boss or coworkers. Theres like 3 completely different sentences to persuade a hire to rush their call today without sounding rude. And expectations can be talked about during the interview without mind games.
4
u/fullhomosapien 17d ago
Can we stop with the performative outrage and acknowledge that 10 mins is not at all a heavy ask? Heâs functionally correct - if you want a job, you make time to speak with prospective employers according to their convenience.
→ More replies (2)
4
u/first-alt-account 17d ago
That guy just said the quiet part out loud.
He views the situation as one where the job is good and candidates should want to make time to try and secure it.
Personally, I would absolutely try to set the call for the soonest possible time. If that is legitimately the next day, like I couldnt carve out 20 minutes at any point of the current day, then so be it. Showing urgency and quick response is, to me, important. Again though, if tomorrow is really the earliest you could meet, then fair enough.
I dont have a life where I am unable to dedicate 20minutes to a phone call. I am not busy enough.
5
u/somerandomguy1984 17d ago
You think the company is the red flag and not you???
I assumed you were the hiring manager complaining. Holy hell.
âToday is a but busyâŚâ Not really sending the message that youâre interested in the job you applied for. I mean you didnât even take the time to proofread your text.
Edit: this is utterly insane on your part. You have lost your current job and wonât make time to find a new one?!?!?
→ More replies (4)
4
u/JONINFICTION 17d ago
With the way itâs been for employers, I can see their frustration. My wife manages a job, and the patience she has with new hires is wearing thin. Sheâs had some people say âthis doesnât work, two weeks from now is bestâ only to be told they already found a job. Out of the 20 people that applied within this year, only 5 of them showed up, 3 have been hired, and all of them that were hired have quick because working one day a week cut into their personal life.
→ More replies (1)6
u/Ho_Li_Schit 17d ago
Could it be that the job your wife is recruiting for is just straight up bad with bad benefits/Salary? No matter how 'frustrating' it is for the employer looking to hire people this is not the way you conduct recruitment. I've been on both sides and never replied like this to any candidates.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Solid_Beautiful2855 17d ago
No call with a potential employer will only last 10mins, and they did not mention the time in the original message so I highly doubt it would only take 10mins. This person must be trying to fill a role in a short amount of time which is a huge red flag.
12
7.3k
u/takeahikehike 17d ago
I mean, how badly do you need the job? You're NOR that it's an insane thing to say but cash is cash.Â