A recruiter’s account of a jobseeker losing out on an opportunity over a telephone greeting triggered widespread discussion online, with many professionals challenging the recruiter’s expectations.
The debate originated from a LinkedIn post by the president of a recruitment agency, who described his disappointment after a candidate, whose profile suggested extensive experience, answered a return call with a plain “Hello?” He wrote that he had been taken aback, arguing that failing to introduce oneself properly at the start of a call created a negative impression, particularly for someone pursuing a new position. According to him, applicants ought to begin phone conversations by stating their name and displaying interest, as this showed confidence and preparedness.
The recruiter’s comments soon attracted significant criticism. Many LinkedIn users argued that a cautious approach was entirely reasonable in an era where unsolicited calls and fraudulent activity were common. Several pointed out that responding with “Hello, who is calling?” had become normal practice, and accused the recruiter of expecting outdated standards of etiquette.
"So, you called his personal phone, that he owns, and you expect him to answer the way you want? Talk about a false sense of entitlement," a user wrote.
Another user commented, "I am not going to answer my personal phone by stating my name. You called me, you should know who you are calling! The caller should start out with who they are and who they are trying to reach!"
"Omg, you're serious. I honestly thought this was satire. I've seen some absurd posts on LI, but I gotta say, this one is in the top 3. Well played," a third quipped.
Others contended that rejecting a candidate solely because of an initial greeting ignored what really mattered—their abilities and suitability for the role. Some suggested that the recruiter’s reaction appeared to reflect personal pride rather than practical concerns about hiring.
On Reddit, responses were even sharper. Contributors accused the recruiter of “virtue signalling” and of promoting elitist attitudes. Commenters argued that jobseekers should not be expected to present rehearsed or overly formal language when answering unexpected calls. They stressed that the quality of a conversation depended on how it unfolded rather than the opening word, and noted that in most cases recruiters were the ones to identify themselves first. For that reason, many said the candidate’s cautious “Hello” was entirely appropriate.
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