'You took the bus? You're not hired': Interview horror goes viral on Reddit

Economic Times

11-05-2025

A hopeful candidate recently took to Reddit to share a frustrating and deeply disheartening hiring experience that left readers stunned. According to the account, they were dismissed from a job interview not for lack of skills or qualifications—but simply because they arrived via public transportation.In a post titled 'Nobody Will Hire You If You Use Public Transport,' the applicant recounted the strange ordeal. They explained that upon arriving at the company's office, they were unknowingly observed through security cameras. The hiring manager, it turns out, had been watching them walk toward the building. The interview began not with warm greetings or professional questions, but with an unsolicited critique.'Just had an interview,' the Reddit user wrote. 'The manager said he'd seen me approach the building on the surveillance cameras. He then asked if I had dependable transportation and immediately launched into a rant about how public transit isn't acceptable. He claimed no employer would consider someone who doesn't drive. He personally refuses to hire such people, claiming they're unreliable and will often be late.'But the scolding didn't stop there.The job seeker went on to describe how the manager shifted from criticizing their transportation choice to attacking their personal appearance. 'He kept going, mocking my red hair and labeling it unprofessional. He didn't ask me a single question about my experience or skills. After declaring that there were many other applicants and I wouldn't be considered, he shook my hand and sent me away.'The post quickly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of reactions from shocked and empathetic users. Many rallied behind the applicant, calling out the employer's outdated mindset and discriminatory behavior.In a follow-up comment, the job seeker admitted they were tempted to write a negative review on Glassdoor but chose not to name the company or manager out of concern for future job prospects. 'It's a small industry. I don't want to look like I'm retaliating,' they wrote. 'Still, I can't help but laugh at the idea of a horde of Redditors storming his LinkedIn.'Reddit users were quick to express disbelief. One pointed out, 'Unless a job requires a car, how you get there shouldn't matter.' Another added, 'Some employers don't care about punctuality—they care about control. They want to be able to call you in at the last second.'A third chimed in, 'In places like NYC, millions rely on public transport every day. Rejecting someone over that? That's just absurd.'