Honey Home handyman application brush off "boilerplate" answer with discriminatory undertones, all from a "no-reply" email address?
This is a bit of a lengthy post as I want to share some general details here that should be known.
I'm an [active] licensed (Gen. B) contractor in San Francisco.
I have a reputable track record, references and a reputation to proof all. I'm BBB A+ rated.
A family hiatus and the Covid lockdowns took me out of the loop for a few years. Trying to restart and get back into the business I feel like I suddenly stand "naked" in front of "Mount Everest."
Last week I contacted Honey Homes because they were looking for a "lead handyman" in SF and advertised such on Craigslist. I filled the application and submitted it.
I got a call back a couple days later. The phone interview was awkward, apparently read off a script by a person who likely couldn't qualify themselves answering any of the asked simplistic questions or have any practical experience therein.
Three simplistic naïve questions apparently was enough for them to determine that I'm not qualified.
Believe it or not, that's what I was asked by the female interviewer with a rather girly somewhat "Karen" sounding voice: What's a three way switch? What's the white wire? What's the green wire for? etc. Something that a lot of people who handyman around on a home likely know.
If you're a licensed contractor you know that in your sleep of course without having to refer to i.e. the NEC code book! (I have wired whole homes and passed inspection)
Nothing else was asked; no other qualifications, experience, expertise, no asking for references, samples of work done etc. Nothing.
Lots of Silicon Valley "do actually nothing but 'apps'", "schedule A,B,C financing round 1,2,3" startups have popped up like mushrooms for just the money but have no clue about any trade and the realities but have hijacked the entire potential client base milking and bilking, many of them in gross violations of CA CBP code. All of them like the good old Mafia style; you "have to pay them to stay in business". But the insults don't even stop there.
One of the most laughable reply arguments I read somewhere, probably on reddit, was by the business owner of Honey Homes claiming the application interview is done by licensed contractors...
So a couple of days ago I got a Honey Home handyman application brush off "boilerplate" blah blah auto reply answer with discriminatory BS undertones, all from a "no reply" email address. No explanation, no clarification, no documentation. basically just a FY.
So being licensed, having an excellent reputation and rating, references and documented work is not good enough for them?
Are they discriminating against me because I'm licensed and provably good?
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On Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 9:36AM Honey Homes Hiring Team
no-reply@ashbyhq.com wrote:
Hi,
Thank you for applying to the Handyman role at Honey Homes. After careful consideration, we've decided to move forward with another candidate for this position.
We truly appreciate the effort you put into the process and your interest in joining our team. While we won't proceed with your application now, we recognize your skills and experience. As our organization continues to grow, we would be glad to keep you in mind for future opportunities that may align with your background.
We wish you the best of luck with your job search and hope our paths may cross again soon.
Honey Homes Talent Team
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