From cute to hawwt: Creepy texts from rejected candidates spark outcry in HR departments

New Delhi: A corporate HR team shared their experience of receiving unprofessional and sometimes bizarre messages from job applicants after their applications were declined. An HR representative revealed that certain candidates turned to personal and inappropriate messages, including comments like “cute” and “hawwt” in what seemed to be attempts to charm or convince the hiring team post-rejection.

HR’s response to boundary-crossing messages

In a now-viral post, the HR team explained that, while professional feedback is welcomed, the kinds of messages they received were off-putting and crossed boundaries of workplace decorum. “We want to keep our interactions respectful,” the HR team shared. The messages ranged from flirtatious comments to borderline harassment, making it clear that professionalism was missed in these exchanges.

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Why professional boundaries matter in job hunting

Industry professionals emphasized that responding to job rejections respectfully is essential. Messages veering into personal compliments or pushy inquiries can hurt candidates' reputations. Experts advise keeping communication concise and polite if seeking feedback, rather than expressing personal thoughts.

The broader issue of boundaries in professional settings

This situation highlights a growing issue where boundaries between professional and personal interactions blur. As this HR team learned, navigating rejections is a key part of job searching, and respect for professional boundaries is crucial for future opportunities.