A Reddit post by a job applicant alleging ghosting and mistreatment by a hiring manager in Bengaluru has gone viral, triggering renewed conversations about professionalism, workplace culture, and the behaviour of Indian employers during interviews.
In a Reddit thread titled "Why do Indian hiring managers think they are GOD?", the user recounted their experience with a company based in Bengaluru. After applying for a role, the applicant stated that the recruiter scheduled an interview with the hiring manager, who failed to appear without any prior notice or apology. When the interview was rescheduled, the manager allegedly arrived 15 minutes late and offered no explanation.
“Just walks in with an air of arrogance like it's normal,” the applicant wrote, adding, “Then he goes on a monologue about how he basically runs the show… wanting someone in-office 5–6 days a week (for a PO role, mind you). Zero courtesy, rigid mindset, and weird power-tripping vibes.”
The post resonated with many Reddit users, several of whom shared similar experiences.
“It feels like a cycle. Entry-level folks get toxic managers, grow into manager roles and then show the same toxicity. This culture then normalises to the point where people think acting like this is expected and normal,” one user commented.
Others called the behaviour unprofessional and demoralising.
“If you don't get the job, you might have dodged a bullet,” one wrote.
The original poster responded, “That’s what I don’t understand: where do you get this idea that it is okay? To me, it’s felt like modern-day slavery.”
This incident adds to the growing body of complaints about hiring practices and management attitudes in India’s corporate ecosystem. Just last month, a startup founder went viral for calling out what he described as a “broken” talent system after interviewing 150 interns.
While many companies are investing in employer branding and candidate experience, the latest Reddit outrage shows that toxic patterns persist, and applicants are increasingly unafraid to speak out.