How I Was Rejected With 🙂Emoji From a Dev Job

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Do you know what is worse than being rejected from a software development job?

It’s when you’re disrespected, misled, and treated like trash. :)

The recruiter couldn’t even use Emoji correctly

The Background

I hate my job. I’ve been complaining about it on this blog for a couple of years, and things aren’t getting better. 

The market in my area though just, ticked up. This gave me a ray of hope, and I thought that I’d start applying for jobs. 

I prepared for interviews — that is I prepped my algorithms, tech tests, and behavioral interviews. There have been layoffs at my employer, so the timing is good.

I applied for a job. It’s precisely the job I do every day, and I genuinely prepare well for interviews so what might go wrong?

The Interview

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I command a reasonable salary, and I usually get through to the final round on any given interview cycle. In fact, my strike rate for getting a job is pretty good (once I’ve had a few warm-up interviews).

This interview is the first I’ve had for 6 months or so, so usually I would expect not to get it.

I got all the way to the final stage and did a good job of it. It was towards the end of the working day so the interviewer said I probably wouldn’t hear back before the next day.

And…

Photo by Jigar Panchal @brave4_heart on Unsplash

It’s not my first job or interview process. Usually, if a company wants you, they contact you quickly so they can close the position.

A couple of days passed, and the silence told me clearly: No job for you.

There is always an exception to the rule, and there certainly was still a chance they would extend an offer. After all, I moved quickly through the interview process so perhaps they were interviewing other candidates?

It’s always the hope that hurts most. After a week of waiting, I had a vacation booked.

And…

After stepping off the plane I had a missed call. The job had called, and who calls with bad news?

The Email from Hell

As I’m buying margaritas by the beach I get this email:

Hi The Secret Developer,
It's Chris from SoftwareiZCool, just wanted to catch up with you regarding your process and feedback after the final stage.
I've tried to reach you via phone to provide feedback but unfortunately could not reach you.
Can I confirm you number is XXXXXXXXXXX, so we can discuss the details :)
Thanks a lot in advance!
Have a nice afternoon,
Chris

I’m excited because maybe I’ve secured a position. Sure, “feedback” sounds negative. But “process and feedback”, well without an offer there is no process.

Two things locked in my hope:

Have a nice afternoon,

and

:)

That smiley!

In my experience you only get good news on the phone, and :) is whimsical — just the sort of thing you’d give a new employee!

I did what any detective would do, I asked ChatGPT whether this news would be positive. ChatGPT agreed with me, it sounded good!

The Consequence

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Of course, I gave my number. I didn’t get a response from the email.

What could be going on?

I gave an alternative number because in a foreign country maybe my number didn’t work.

For my week-long vacation, Chris didn’t respond.

Each morning, I took my phone to the beach and refreshed it regularly. I fantasized about quitting my horrible job.

Nothing happened. Until I got onto the plane to go home.

The Let-Down

Photo by Riccardo Mion on Unsplash

Inevitably I got an email as I stepped onto the plane to go home. 

Hi The Secret Developer,

Thanks so much for the update and providing alternative contact, appreciated!

If that works for you, I'd like to call you this afternoon and we can discuss the feedback on your process.
Thanks a lot and have an awesome day!

Kind regards,
Chris

I replied that I’d be able to talk once I landed. It may not shock you that Chris called while I was still in the air, after being unable to follow when I was available.

As I landed, I got my feedback. I wasn’t working in a company the same size as the one Chris works for, and the processes used are not the same. And I didn’t answer one question perfectly about testing in the technical round, so sorry you haven’t made the bar.

I went home wishing I had never applied.

Why it Ruined My Vacation

Photo by Chen Mizrach @chenhanozel on Unsplash

Photo by Camille Minouflet on Unsplash

Here’s why this email was a holiday-ruining disaster:

The Timing: Getting rejected is bad enough but doing it while I’m supposed to be relaxing is just cruel. It’s like getting a surprise exam on Christmas morning.

The Emoji: A smiley face in a rejection email is like a waiter spitting in your soup and then smiling as they serve it. It’s unnecessary and unprofessional.

The Tone: The overly friendly tone makes it feel less like professional communication and more like a breakup text. “It’s not you, it’s us. Let’s still be friends :)”. On the phone Chris was entirely different so at least understood the bright and breezy chat wasn’t appropriate for letting someone down in person.

The Method: Trying to call me first is just bad form. No one wants to play phone tag with their rejection.

The Fallout

This experience taught me that companies still have a long way to go in terms of candidate communication. A little more sensitivity and professionalism can go a long way. Meanwhile, I’ll be taking my next holiday far away from my inbox.

Actions

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I’ve been thinking about what I can learn from this experience. Not replying to poor companies?

Anyway, here are some top tips for you to avoid such a ruined vacation.

Be Responsive

 Ensure your contact details are accurate and keep your phone accessible, especially if you’re expecting feedback. If you miss a call, return it promptly.

Set Clear Expectations

Let the recruiter know your availability, especially if you’re going on holiday. Inform them of any preferred times to be contacted.

Use Professional Language

Communicate clearly and professionally in all your interactions. This sets the tone for how you want to be treated.

Confirm Details

When you receive interview details or follow-up instructions, confirm receipt and understanding of the next steps.

Provide Feedback

If a recruiter’s communication style or timing is inconvenient, provide constructive feedback. It helps them improve and can prevent similar issues for future candidates.

Ask for Written Confirmation

If a phone call is scheduled for feedback, request that key points be summarized in an email. This ensures you have a clear record of what was discussed.

Conclusion

The Secret Developer is applying for jobs and struggling a little. It’s happening to many of us right now, isn’t it?