From Fastcompany · · 2m
Hiring manager's viral post exposes automated screening flaw
A manager tested their own job posting and was auto-rejected in six minutes because the résumé didn't match the exact software name.
In brief
A manager tested their own job posting and was auto-rejected in six minutes because the résumé didn't match the exact software name. A hiring manager's post revealing that automated screening rejected their own CV over a software name mismatch went viral, sparking debate about whether job markets have talent shortages…
A manager tests the system
A hiring manager posted on r/RecruitingHell about waiting months for a role to be filled. Human resources said the pipeline was thin and no applicants passed screening.
They apply with their own CV
Last month the manager created a new email, changed their name, tweaked dates, and applied to their own job posting using essentially their own CV.
Auto-rejected in six minutes
Despite having the CV of the person who wrote the job description, the manager was auto-rejected in six minutes by the screening process.
The problem: exact wording
The role required React.js experience. Many refer to it simply as React. The screening filtered out anyone whose résumé did not include React.js verbatim.
Months of rejections over punctuation
The manager wrote: We have been rejecting every qualified applicant since April over punctuation, while I sat in weekly meetings being told the market was tough.
“We have been rejecting every qualified applicant since April over punctuation, while I sat in weekly meetings being told the market was tough.”
A message to job seekers
The manager concluded: If you've been getting instant rejections from places you're clearly qualified for, it is very possibly not you.
“If you've been getting instant rejections from places you're clearly qualified for, it is very possibly not you.”
The post goes viral
The original post is no longer live as the author's Reddit account is apparently suspended. But a screenshot on X has amassed five point six million views.
Commenters see a pattern
Many commenters said the situation exemplifies what is wrong with the job market today. One user argued the problem is systemic, not individual.
Talent shortage or hiring problem
One commenter stated: America does not have a talent shortage. It has a hiring problem. The post sparked debate about whether the issue is supply or process.
“America doesn't have a talent shortage. It has a hiring problem.”
What matters most
A hiring manager's post revealing that automated screening rejected their own CV over a software name mismatch went viral, sparking debate about whether job markets have talent shortages or hiring problems.
