'30% is standard? In which world?' Hiring manager's scathing reply to job seeker's salary question goes viral

Time of India

5 days ago

A professional with expertise in a specialized field recently shared a troubling account of a job interview that took a negative turn. Despite coming well-prepared and armed with knowledge about standard compensation benchmarks, the candidate faced a dismissive attitude from the interviewer, which made the experience uncomfortable and disheartening.
The candidate explained that the initial phase of the interview went smoothly. It was an individual contributor position, and their current salary was approximately Rs 15 lakh per annum. With four years of continuous service at their current organization—a testament to their commitment and consistency—they felt confident in expecting a reasonable raise. Based on peer consultations and market research, they anticipated a 30% salary hike, which they believed fairly reflected their value and alignment with industry standards.
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However, the atmosphere shifted when the hiring manager, a senior figure in the company, reacted to the expected raise with a condescending smirk. She questioned the validity of a 30% hike, implying that such expectations were unrealistic.
"30% is standard? In which world? I was taken aback..." he wrote.
Though the candidate remained courteous and expressed a willingness to revisit the topic later, the dismissive expression left them unsettled. The experience was especially disturbing given the interviewer's reputed leadership role and visibility within the company.
Widespread Support and Strong Reactions Online
The candidate's post on the Indian Workplace subreddit quickly gathered attention, drawing comments from others who empathized with the ordeal. One human resources professional remarked that many recruiters tend to overstep their boundaries, feeling an inflated sense of control simply because they facilitate the hiring process. This commenter urged the job seeker to stand firm and not be discouraged.
Another respondent suggested that the candidate should consider formally declining further interaction with the company. They recommended documenting the unpleasant encounter via email and including senior-level contacts from the company, sourced through platforms like LinkedIn, to ensure accountability.
A different user interpreted the interviewer's behavior as a reaction to the candidate's confidence and awareness of market rates. According to them, such individuals often seek overly compliant employees who can be exploited with low salaries and unreasonable workloads. The smirk, they believed, reflected insecurity rather than professionalism.
Alternative Approaches to the Salary Question
Some commenters shared practical strategies for navigating discussions around compensation. Instead of stating a specific percentage hike, one user recommended flipping the conversation by asking questions first. Their method includes inquiring about whether the role is due to expansion or replacement, the expected timeline to fill the vacancy, and the difference between the candidate's expectations and the employer's budget. These queries help identify the employer's pain points, enabling the candidate to position themselves as the ideal solution.
Once the information is gathered, the candidate can assert their expected salary again—this time presenting it as a strong return on investment for the employer. This approach, they suggested, is more effective than the generic explanations that many recruiters have heard repeatedly and tend to dismiss.
Takeaway
The original poster's experience serves as a reminder that job interviews are not just assessments of candidates—they also reflect the values and attitudes of the organization. When hiring managers display disrespect, it raises red flags about the workplace culture. Confidence, preparation, and self-worth should never be mistaken for arrogance.