Gen Z engineering graduate cites bizarre reason to refuse interview: ‘I am 1000 times better…’

In today’s workplace, employees from Generation Z have earned a reputation for being outspoken and direct when it comes to drawing a clear line between personal and professional life. They are often celebrated for refusing to tolerate toxic office cultures, standing firm on maintaining their self-respect, and asserting healthy boundaries at work without hesitation. Their fearless approach has led to admiration, but it has also sparked criticism at times, with some accusing them of displaying overconfidence or even arrogance.

A recent example of this played out in a WhatsApp exchange between a young job applicant and a recruiter, which quickly gained attention after being shared on the subreddit India Social. The original post was uploaded by a lead developer at a remote-based firm. In the shared conversation, the developer had requested that the HR team arrange an interview with the candidate, who claimed to be recovering from an accident. Instead of expressing gratitude or professionalism, the applicant replied dismissively, proclaiming himself to be “a thousand times better” than the lead developer. To add weight to his claim, he mentioned his background as an alumnus of a reputed institution. He concluded by curtly announcing that he would no longer consider working with the company.

Community Reactions

The interaction drew a range of comments from Redditors, many of whom were baffled by the candidate’s audacity. One user remarked that someone who had not yet worked on real-world projects was boasting about superiority simply because they had studied at a college with a high admission cutoff. Another sarcastically noted that such people often learn humility only after facing setbacks.

Others were quick to suggest dismissing the candidate outright. They pointed out that technical skills alone cannot guarantee success; likability, humility, and charm often prove to be just as critical in professional settings. According to them, arrogance at the start of a career is a red flag for any employer.

The original poster also followed up with additional context. He shared that after observing the candidate’s behavior, he had personally sent an email outlining the reasons for rejection. The applicant was revealed to be from MNNIT Allahabad and had impressive academic credentials, even surpassing the OP’s grades. Still, the OP emphasized that flaunting grades or pedigree cannot compensate for a poor attitude. In his email, he highlighted that such arrogance would not secure opportunities even with top-tier companies often referred to as MAANG, FAANG, or WITCH.

Divided Opinions

While most users criticized the candidate’s tone, a few voices argued differently. They believed the frustration might have stemmed from the HR team’s delay in responding. According to them, professionalism must be practiced on both sides—whether dealing with engineers or housekeeping staff. A failure to show respect, they reasoned, could provoke such sharp reactions.

Even so, many agreed the candidate’s message crossed the line, branding it rude and immature. They reasoned that the applicant likely had not yet encountered the kind of rejection that teaches humility. Several also pointed out another striking detail: the interview had been scheduled for a Sunday, which they saw as an unnecessary imposition.

Ultimately, the incident underscored two important lessons—candidates must communicate respectfully regardless of credentials, and recruiters must ensure timely and professional handling of the hiring process to avoid unnecessary conflicts.