Farewell and Best Wishes to the Community
Greetings, readers! Today, I must share a bittersweet announcement from my journey as a moderator here on this subreddit.
As many of you know, I have been the most active moderator in this space, though I’m not alone—there are technically four of us. However, it often feels like I’ve been flying solo when it comes to managing the subreddit, as I’m frequently the only one engaging with the content and interacting with you all.
You may have noticed some recent discussions sparked by the subreddit owner, RexRecruiting. Unfortunately, these conversations often seem disconnected from the threads and topics posted earlier in the day because it appears that he is not actively engaged in the discussions here or responsive to messages—especially those concerning moderation issues. Suggestions for improving the community, like adjusting the profanity filter to remove terms related to disabilities (a point of personal significance for many) or fixing persistent problems with weekly threads, have gone unanswered. Moreover, I don’t have access to automate moderation tools, which compounds my challenges in keeping the subreddit tidy and relevant.
This situation has led to a considerable amount of my time being spent on removing countless inquiries regarding Workday application statuses, addressing desperate pleas for job opportunities, and managing inappropriate comments rooted in racism related to geographical stereotypes about recruiters.
To be candid, this is exhausting work. While I do moderate other subreddits, this is the only one where the owner and other moderators seem indifferent; it’s also the only community where the owner only interacts to approve posts that do not foster meaningful discussion.
Currently, recruiters are facing unprecedented challenges in the job market, making it imperative that we have a supportive forum to exchange valuable information and insights. This subreddit was once a beacon during such times, but I fear it hasn’t served that purpose effectively for quite a while.
This morning, as part of my usual routine, I dedicated time to cleaning up the subreddit—removing spam, approving genuine comments, and ensuring that the space remains welcoming and informative. However, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to step down from my role as a moderator. I will transition to a different account and do not intend to return to this subreddit.
Since I have been the primary hands-on moderator, I felt it necessary to inform you all of this change. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible recruiters during my time here, and I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for your support,
RCadmin
Hello ThatNovelist,
First and foremost, thank you for your dedicated work as a moderator on this subreddit. It’s clear from your post that you have invested a significant amount of time and energy into fostering a community where recruiters can engage in meaningful discussions. It’s unfortunate to hear about the challenges you’ve faced with the subreddit’s structure and management.
You raise several key points that not only illustrate the difficulties of moderating a community but also highlight the broader issues within online forums, especially those meant for professional development and networking. Here are some insights and practical advice that could be useful for you—and potentially for the community moving forward.
1. Advocate for Effective Moderation
Your experience underscores the need for a clear hierarchy and defined roles within moderation teams. If other mods are not actively participating, it may be worth proposing a more structured approach within the community. Consider reaching out to fellow moderators (if they are reachable) to establish regular check-ins and collaborative tasks to better distribute the workload. If communication continues to be an issue with the subreddit owner, a suggestion for a new structure might include appointing a “lead mod” to handle specific concerns like automoderation tweaks and community engagement.
2. Community Feedback Launch
A survey or open feedback thread could greatly enhance the subreddit’s functionality and inclusivity. This could allow members to voice their priorities and issues they’ve encountered, which in turn might give the owner a clearer picture of where changes are necessary. Promoting direct dialogues about the issues you’ve mentioned—like the profanity filter or improving automod functions—can transform the community from a passive space to one where members feel their voices are heard and valued.
3. Introduce Regular Engagement Features
Given your concern about the lack of meaningful discussions, introducing recurring threads such as “Weekly Q&A,” “Success Stories,” or “Industry Insights” might invigorate the subreddit. Pre-scheduling these posts can create a structure that encourages participation without relying solely on spontaneous posts. You could also propose collaborating with members to feature guest AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions with experienced recruiters or industry experts, promoting not only knowledge sharing but also engagement.
4. Combat Inappropriate Content Proactively
You mentioned dealing with inappropriate content and comments, like racism or other forms of discrimination. It could be beneficial to highlight the importance of community standards more explicitly within posts. Draft a “Code of Conduct” that outlines acceptable behavior and sets the tone for discussions. Perhaps even developing tips on how to