‘Too relaxed during interview’: Unusual rejection leaves tech candidate puzzled, sparks online buzz

In an era where interview feedback can make or break a candidate’s confidence, a curious case from the tech job circuit has caught the attention of social media users. A software developer recently shared his interview experience with a startup, where everything seemed to be going well–until he was rejected for a reason that few saw coming: he appeared “too relaxed” during the process.Interview feedback that didn’t add upThe candidate took to Reddit to share the events that unfolded during his application for a Software Development Engineer (SDE) position. The hiring process included an introductory call, a take-home assignment, a technical round, and an HR interaction. According to his account, all the rounds went smoothly, and the recruiter involved had shared encouraging feedback at each stage.

So, the rejection came as a surprise.“I was a little confused as the interview went well. So I asked the recruiter for feedback to know what went wrong because the recruiter attended every interview I gave,” he wrote. “The recruiter called me and said everything was good, even my answers were satisfactory, but the HR said that ‘I was relaxed during the interview, that's why she thinks I am not a good fit for a startup.’” Reddit post:

Calm demeanour = cultural mismatch?For someone with prior startup experience, the candidate found this explanation difficult to accept.

Startups, often seen as intense, fast-paced environments, do value agility and high energy, but he questioned whether a calm attitude could genuinely be considered a red flag.“It is such a stupid reason. I have worked my whole career in startups, and this HR thinks that being relaxed during an interview makes me unfit for startups. Even the recruiter was confused by such a statement from HR, and said sorry for wasting my time,” he said.

“Interviews are just normal conversation; there's nothing to be nervous about if you have confidence in your skills. I really don't understand what the companies are looking for right now.

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Others share similar rejectionsThe post quickly resonated with many others online, who began sharing their own unusual interview outcomes. Some expressed empathy, while others questioned the hiring norms in startups.One user commented, “You are saved. They were looking for someone they could intimidate or boss around. You gave them a chill vibe, which they don't want around their other employees.”Another shared, “This one time I got rejected. I was waiting outside the building and met my interviewer. He came out to smoke. He told me I had a drunken accent and seemed too relaxed and not enthusiastic.”