In a world where job interviews can be intimidating, and rejection is often accompanied by a sense of perplexity, there’s one extraordinary story from China that stands out.
It’s the tale of Mr. Zhang, a man who faced a peculiar and somewhat perplexing challenge during his job search. Despite his qualifications and determination, Mr. Zhang found himself repeatedly rejected by over 10 electronics factories in Zhejiang Province.
The reason? His face was deemed too square-shaped by the employers’ human resources (HR) departments. This rejection had a profound impact on Mr. Zhang’s life, making even the simple act of having three meals a day a significant challenge.
The Job Hunt in Zhejiang
Mr. Zhang’s journey began when he moved alone from Henan to Zhejiang in search of employment opportunities. He applied to numerous electronics factories, showing his willingness to accept any position they offered.
However, after each interview, he received the same disheartening outcome: rejection. The employers stated that his appearance did not align with their expectations.
The Puzzling Rejection
It’s worth noting that the rejection was not due to Mr. Zhang’s physical appearance being unattractive, but rather, the peculiar reason was that his face resembled a square.
Zhang said that despite his appearance, he is hardworking and can take hardships, and questioned why nobody is giving him the chance to work.
The Impact on Mr. Zhang
While the employers might have considered their decision a straightforward matter, its effects on Mr. Zhang were profound.
Alone and without a source of income, he quickly ran out of money. On the day of his interview with the news outlet, he couldn’t even afford breakfast and had no way to request financial assistance from his family.
Mr. Zhang emphasized that he was the sole breadwinner for his family, including his children and parents. His inability to secure a job in Zhejiang meant no financial support for his loved ones.
A Glimpse of Hope
After Mr. Zhang’s story came to light, journalists, touched by his situation, stepped in to help. They provided him with some much-needed sustenance and promised to assist him in searching for job openings.
In a world where job interviews can be challenging and rejection is often associated with a sense of perplexity, Mr. Zhang’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most unexpected factors can impact the job-seeking journey.