Job seeker gets rejected at online interview due to unstable internet. But boss gives him second chance after unexpected error in office meeting. ‘Always be empathetic’

Job interviews can be a test of anxiety for many job seekers. You prepare months ahead, go through your resume repeatedly and on the day of the interview, you wait for your turn with a racing mind and beating heart. While offline interviews allow candidates to rely on physical presence and direct communication, online interviews often come with an added layer of unpredictability due to technical glitches, unstable internet, and digital disruptions. So when a professional gets rejected due to a problem beyond their control, it can often leave them frustrated and disappointed.

Boss rejects job-seeker after WiFi mishap

Along similar lines, career coach Simon Ingari has now shared a thought-provoking write-up on his X-handle, recounting the story of one such job-seeker who was initially rejected at an online interview due to a poor internet connection but was given a second chance by the company’s boss after he met with a similar incident.


In the post, a hiring manager was conducting a Zoom interview when the candidate suddenly began facing severe internet issues. As the connection repeatedly faltered, the interviewer grew frustrated and abruptly ended the session, dismissing the candidate for what he perceived as unprofessionalism. Despite the setback, the applicant later reached out with a courteous email, requesting another opportunity to prove himself. However, his message went unanswered.

Boss loses client due to internet issues

Days later, fate appeared to offer the boss an unexpected lesson. During a crucial virtual meeting with an important client, his own internet connection failed without warning, causing the call to drop. To his shock, the client responded harshly, accusing him of being unprofessional and withdrawing the opportunity altogether.


The experience immediately forced the employer to confront his earlier decision. Realising how unfairly he had judged the candidate for circumstances beyond his control, the boss reflected on his actions with newfound perspective. Without wasting further time, he revisited the rejected applicant’s email and promptly offered him another interview slot that very evening.

The candidate accepted, and the incident became a powerful reminder of why empathy matters, especially in professional settings. Through this viral anecdote, Simon Ingari underscored an important message: people should lead with understanding rather than harsh judgment, because life often has a way of teaching compassion when least expected.