A couple of years ago, I applied for a content writer role at this business process outsourcing company. Initially, the application process went smoothly, with me acing the initial interview, writing exam, and a hiring manager interview with their client.

It didn’t take long after the hiring manager interview for the recruiter (who we’ll call Steve) to tell me that I passed and the client wants to have me onboard. With a new job secured, I proceeded to sign a job offer and hand in my resignation with my company.

Sadly, this is where the issues start. I told the hiring manager that I can only start after a standard 30-day rendering period in my country, and he was more than fine with it. However, Steve was insisting that I start in the next few days for whatever reason. I had to stand my ground as I had to follow protocol by staying with my current company back then for 30 more days. Radio silence after that.

A few days later within my 30-day rendering period, I received a text message from Steve, saying “Good morning, [my name], we have decided to move forward with another candidate. Thank you.”

My heart sank as I read that message. I quickly replied, “Hi Steve, is this because of my rendering period?” No response whatsoever. I had a panic attack right there and then-- how can I actually go from securing a new job to having no job at all, given that I have already tendered my resignation with my old company? I felt helpless. I already contacted a trusted friend who works in HR and said that unfortunately, they can actually do that.

Realizing that I will have no job once I finish my rendering period, I actually tried to ask my supervisor that afternoon to let me cancel my resignation and give me more time to look for new work. Unfortunately, she told me that they’ve already begun looking for my replacement, and I will still need to leave the company by my intended last date.

Defeated, I went back to my desk. About 30 minutes later, Steve was calling me. I picked up, and he was apologizing profusely, saying that the rejection text message I sent was intended for someone else with the same name as me. I mean, what??? I texted him almost immediately after his rejection text and he actually took the rest of the day to figure out that he made a huge mistake? How could you even do such a thing?

I was more than angry and frustrated at this point, so I told him that I even had to ask my supervisor for my job back because of what he sent. I guess he felt bad or whatever, as he volunteered to talk to my supervisor and clear things up. I told him no need, and it didn’t feel right as I basically effed up my relationship with my supervisor already.

He implored me to take the job, saying that it’s more than fine now for me to start the new gig shortly after my rendering period. At this point, Istill needed time to process what happened (I also realized I wanted to get back at him for the heartbreak he caused). I told him to give me 24 hours to decide, and he agreed.

The following day, I took the job. While the recruiter made a horrible mistake, the job with their client ended up being one of my best gigs ever as I got to apply my skills and interests and everyone in the team was supportive. Still, this remains one of my biggest job application nightmares to date. Hopefully I won’t get to experience it again.