CEO sends job seeker an email by mistake—her bold response goes viral

Mistakenly receiving emails isn’t unusual, but getting one directly from a CEO about your job application is another story altogether. Shannon Brooke (@shanbrooke_ on TikTok), a 27-year-old job seeker from Scotland, recently faced exactly that scenario. Brooke, who currently works at a coffee shop, shared her unusual experience on TikTok (since removed), drawing widespread attention and appreciation for her witty response.

Brooke explained in her viral video, "I need advice," detailing how she'd been actively applying for permanent positions. She recounted sending her resume and cover letter for a specific role, only to unexpectedly receive a revealing email a few days later. "I sent my CV and cover letter to someone who was hiring for a particular role, and a few days later, I got an email from them," she said.

The accidental email from the company included candid remarks about her qualifications: "It's three years ago that she did the Master's, then worked in a coffee shop after. I put her in my maybe pile," Brooke read aloud from the message.

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Rather than ignoring it, Brooke saw this as the perfect chance to advocate for herself. She replied humorously and confidently: "I replied, ‘I get that, but she's got a history of good rapport building with young people, plus she managed a team and blah, blah. At the end, I put her in my yes pile.’” Brooke admitted this was actually her third draft, as the first two were "quite rude."

Her boldness paid off when the CEO responded, “Haha, you are now in my very probably pile … email sent in error. I'll get back to you.” After doing some digging, Brooke discovered the sender was indeed the company's CEO. She soon received an interview invitation following the exchange.

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Brooke described the lack of an apology from the CEO as "weird" and a potential "red flag". Sharing more about her background, she said, "I worked in this field before my master's, managed a cafe while traveling, then returned to the industry," per Newsweek.

Reflecting on the situation positively, Brooke said, "In a way, I'd been given the perfect opportunity to communicate all this, which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't received that email, so I knew I had to reply."

Image Source: TikTok | @loubilou871

Social media users applauded Brooke’s quick thinking. TikTok user @annaaa_ppp advised, "Go for the interview. Do it… but be professional and not giggly or funny. Show them you're worth being in that ‘very probably’ pile." Another user, @breskva99, added, "I have a feeling the CEO enjoyed your approach. Too often, everyone around a CEO is a ‘yes man,’ and you've just shown that you're more than capable of handling your own, as well as being funny with it."

Image Source: TikTok | @sophie_beings_

Follow Shannon Brooke (@shanbrooke_) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.