London-Based Recruiter Says He Fired A 'Time Traveller' Who Joined Company 3 Months Early; Details In Viral LinkedIn Post

When a candidate shows up early to a job interview, it’s usually seen as a green flag. But three months early?

Ken Cheng, a London-based recruiter, took to LinkedIn recently to share a bizarre case he either experienced or scripted down for mere humour. According to Cheng, a job seeker once approached him for a Junior Marketer role when they weren't hiring. He told the person they weren't looking for candidates now, only to receive an unexpected reply.

The man’s reply? “Not yet. I’m from the future and have travelled back to get a leg up on the other applicants.”

Take a look at the LinkedIn post below

Cheng wasn't ready for something like this, so he didn't argue or question the candidate any further. He hired him. Fast forward to three months later, the recruiter fired him and believed he was a time traveller.

"I might have fired a real time traveller. There is still so little we understand about the universe", Cheng posted on LinkedIn.

The so-called time tourist was fired exactly three months after he showed up seeking work in the marketing team.

“Wow,” Cheng wrote, suggesting the candidate might have really travelled from the future as he claimed.

Internet reacts

The LinkedIn post, which appeared no less than a sci-fi story, has since gone viral, with users sharing a wide range of reactions.

"I once interviewed a guy who claimed to be my replacement from two quarters ahead. Said he came back to ensure I made the right hire (himself)", a user named Priyanka commented on Cheng's post.

"Whether he was a time traveler or just had next-level intuition, you have to admire the boldness. Somewhere out there, he’s probably three months ahead of his next opportunity already", wrote user Daniel Wolken.

Published on: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 12:47 PM IST