IITian impressed by Gen Z candidate's sassy reply after not being selected: ‘One day I'll be sitting on top while you …'

Economic Times

3 days ago

Synopsis
A Gen Z job applicant's audacious rejection response sparked a widespread debate after a tech CEO shared it on LinkedIn. The candidate confidently asserted their overlooked potential and predicted future success, even at the expense of those who rejected them. Generational reactions varied sharply, with Gen Z largely supporting the bold message while older generations expressed surprise and irritation.
iStock Gen Z candidates vitriolic email to founder after he was rejected for job goes viral. (Representative image) Generation Z is rapidly proving that they are not a generation willing to remain silent in professional settings. With a reputation for speaking their minds openly, they challenge long-standing workplace norms and question traditional ideas about work-life balance, leadership, and career progression. Recently, one such unapologetically bold job seeker grabbed the internet's attention with a rejection response that was as fiery as it was confident.Mitul Bid, the founder and CEO of the technology firm Coditas, shared an intriguing incident on LinkedIn. He posted a screenshot of an email he had received from a Gen Z applicant who was not selected for a role in his company. The message stood out not because it was bitter or defensive, but because of its sheer audacity and unwavering self-belief. Bid's post, tinged with amusement and admiration, highlighted the learning he felt he gained from younger professionals.
In the email, the candidate acknowledged the rejection but swiftly turned the conversation toward their belief that the company had overlooked their true potential. They asserted that the decision-makers had barely grasped their skills, determination, or the value they could bring to the organization. Instead of expressing disappointment, the candidate confidently declared that larger opportunities awaited them and that they would eventually secure a significant win—perhaps even within the same company, should it learn how to recognize exceptional talent.The response then escalated into a bold prediction: one day, they would rise to a position of power and might even be responsible for the exit of those who had dismissed them."I'm not here to beg for chances—I create them. And mark my words, one day I'll be sitting at the top while folks like you get shown the door," he wrote.
The candidate portrayed themselves as someone who doesn't plead for opportunities but actively creates them, positioning themselves as a lost asset for the organization—a 'gem' they believed the company had failed to recognize.In his LinkedIn post, Bid also described how reactions to the candidate's message varied sharply depending on the age group. Among Baby Boomers and Generation X professionals, the dominant responses were surprise and, in some cases, irritation. Many seemed unsettled by the forthright tone and saw it as a breach of expected professional decorum.Millennials presented a mix of reactions. Some were as startled as the older generations, others showed empathy, and a few attributed the candidate's assertiveness to the influence of social media culture. Terms like 'entitlement' and 'disillusioned' surfaced, but so did acknowledgments of ambition and self-assurance.Gen Z, unsurprisingly, largely rallied behind the candidate. Supporters praised the message as an expression of self-worth, motivation, and manifestation. Many felt it reflected the courage to challenge outdated recruitment attitudes and the refusal to shrink in the face of rejection.The post quickly became a hotspot for debate, with the comments section turning into a forum for generational perspectives. Some users admired the candidate's conviction, even if it came across as abrasive. Others criticized the tone, arguing that confidence should be paired with humility.One commenter commended the self-belief but warned that a rejection handled with grace leaves a more lasting positive impression. Another suggested the response might stem from hurt pride rather than pure ambition, noting that some individuals hold themselves to such high standards that rejection feels personal. A few commenters pointed out that while the candidate's words brimmed with energy and ambition, they also carried hints of arrogance and dismissal toward the employer.
Mitul Bid holds a degree in computer science and Engineering from the prestigious IIT Bombay.