Rejected for not being a time traveler: Reddit post slams 'unreal' job requirements

A post on Reddit has recently stirred significant discussion across the internet by exposing the irrational expectations that have become all too common in today's job market. The issue at hand? A job applicant was rejected for not having five years of experience with a software tool that was only launched the previous year. The irony of such a requirement has led to widespread disbelief and laughter—and a deeper reflection on how out of touch some hiring practices have become.

The Post That Triggered a Movement

The discussion originated from a Reddit user who shared their frustration on the r/antiwork subreddit. Their post, titled "Got rejected for not having ‘5 years experience’ in a tool that launched last year", resonated instantly with thousands of users. The post recounted the user’s recent job application experience, where excitement turned to dismay after receiving a rejection notice. The stated reason? A supposed lack of experience in a software tool that, upon investigation, had only entered the market in 2023. Even more baffling, the job description insisted on a minimum of five years of experience with this tool—an impossible benchmark by any rational standard.

Hiring or Fantasy Role-Playing?

Alongside the unrealistic demand for experience, the job listing included buzzwords common in corporate speak: “adaptable,” “thrives in fast-paced environments,” and “ready to take on dynamic challenges.” The original poster pointed out the contradiction—how could an employer claim to seek adaptability and forward-thinking talent, yet reject someone precisely for not having years of experience in a brand-new tool? The irony was further captured through a biting metaphor that likened the current job hunt to being asked to perform miracles while the applicant offers practical skills, only to be told they're not enough. This, the poster concluded, was not a case of fatigue from job hunting, but rather a sign that companies were lost in a fantasy of their own creation.

A Viral Reflection of a Common Struggle

The post struck a chord with job seekers everywhere, quickly racking up over 8,000 upvotes and sparking more than 200 responses. Users flooded the comment section with a mixture of humor, sarcasm, and raw frustration. Many shared similar experiences, joking about employers demanding years of expertise in tools that had barely been invented. Some took a darker tone, expressing anger at the disconnect between HR expectations and real-world skill development. A few described the hiring process as a hunt for mythical beings—candidates who simply don’t exist.

A Shared Reality

Beyond the laughs, the overwhelming response to the post underscored a growing sentiment in the job market: people are tired of being evaluated against impossible standards. The demand for perfect candidates with futuristic qualifications isn’t just unrealistic—it’s alienating. The viral nature of this Reddit post has not only exposed an all-too-common problem but has also given thousands of job seekers a collective voice to challenge the nonsense and demand change.