An open letter to companies that send job rejections on weekends
Dear Recruiters,
Let me ask you something: what kind of person wakes up on a weekend and thinks, You know what would make someone’s Saturday better? A rejection email! Because let me tell you — sending rejection emails on a weekend is an asshole move. There’s no sugarcoating it.
Here’s what you’re doing: you’re taking what’s supposed to be a small window of peace and calm — the weekend — and turning it into a slap in the face. You’re dropping “We regret to inform you…” bombs while we’re sipping coffee, trying to enjoy a moment away from the grind. For what? To clear your inbox before Monday? To meet some arbitrary deadline?
It’s a shitty thing to do, and you know it.
The ghost job insult to injury
And let’s not forget the cherry on top: half the time, the job wasn’t even real. That’s right, ghost jobs. You know, those listings you post even though the position’s already filled or never actually existed. Maybe you’re fishing for resumes, padding your pipeline, or flexing your company’s “growth.” Whatever the excuse, sending rejection emails for a job that never actually existed is next-level disrespect.
So not only are you rejecting us, but you’re doing it for a fake job — and you’re doing it on the one time during the week we’re supposed to breathe? Honestly, it’s like rubbing salt into a wound, then setting it on fire.
Why weekends are sacred
Here’s a thought: people applying for jobs are likely stressed, tired, and probably dealing with rejection after rejection. The weekend is our brief reprieve from that. It’s not the time to remind us we weren’t “a fit” (which, let’s be real, probably means you didn’t even glance at the application).
When you send that rejection email on a Saturday morning, it ruins the day. Suddenly, instead of enjoying some much-needed downtime, we’re spiraling. “What did I do wrong?” “Was it the resume? The cover letter? The interview?” Cue hours of overthinking, self-doubt, and frustration.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. It’s automated! It wasn’t personal! But guess what? It feels personal when it’s delivered in the middle of our French toast.
How hard is “send later”?
Here’s an idea: use the damn “schedule send” feature. Set the rejection emails to go out Monday morning, like a normal, semi-decent human being. It’s not hard. Technology makes this painfully easy. And while you’re at it, maybe reflect on whether you need to send a rejection at all if it’s for a job that didn’t exist in the first place.
Stop being assholes
Look, no one likes rejection. It sucks. But rejection on the weekend? That’s an extra level of unnecessary cruelty. It’s like slamming the door in someone’s face, then shouting through the peephole, “By the way, we never liked you anyway!”
So do us all a favor: stop being assholes. Quit with the weekend rejection emails, quit with the ghost jobs, and quit acting like applicants are disposable. Remember you’re a layoff away from being in a job candidate’s shoes.
Sincerely,
Everyone Who’s Ever Been Rejected by Email
P.S. If you insist on being awful, at least own it. Title your rejection emails, “Weekend Disappointment — You’re Welcome.”
Will Kelly is a writer, content strategist, and keen observer of the IT industry. Medium is home to his personal writing projects. His professional interests include generative AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and collaboration tools. He has written for startups, Fortune 1000 firms, and leading industry publications, including CIO and TechTarget. Follow him on X: @willkelly. You can also follow him on BlueSky: willkelly.bsky.social.
