Generation Z is shaking things up in the workplace—bringing fresh ideas, unfiltered confidence, and a flair for doing things their way.
But is that boldness refreshing or borderline reckless?
A recent hiring manager’s jaw-dropping experience with a Gen Z job candidate might just have you questioning where the line is.
It all started when Dian Salji, a recruiter, shared her bizarre experience on social media. As someone who thought she’d seen it all in the hiring process, what happened next left her utterly speechless.
“Gen Z really is something,” Dian shared.
I received a text from a job candidate a few months ago asking to borrow RM1,500. I was shocked. I’m not even their friend. I was the interviewer representing the company at the time.”
Yup, you read that right. Not a buddy, not a family member—just the interviewer.
When Dian asked why, the candidate explained they were dealing with family problems, hadn’t gotten paid that month, and were drowning in financial commitments.
“I apologised and told them I also had commitments. I advised them to try their close friends. But honestly, I kept thinking—how were they so bold to approach me? We’re not even acquaintances,” Dian said, still baffled.
Plot twist: Candidate got the job
Here’s where it gets even juicier. Despite the eyebrow-raising money request, the candidate aced the interview and was hired. But the drama didn’t end there.
“They were supposed to start with us in December after serving their two-month notice at their current job. Then, out of nowhere, they told us they got another offer and wouldn’t be joining.
“Not only that, but they also asked if we had any part-time work available. I had to politely shut that down—there wasn’t anything at the moment,” Dian said with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Scam or sheer confidence?
Dian admitted she wasn’t sure if the money request was a desperate cry for help or something more suspicious.
“Maybe it was a scam, maybe not. I don’t have the answer. But the message came from their number.
“I even considered asking more because, as a parent, if it was about a sick child, I’d be willing to help. But their responses completely turned me off. Plus, I’d only met them once during the interview. If you were in my shoes, wouldn’t you feel it was strange too?” Dian asked.
Dian’s story quickly caught the attention of netizens, sparking a mix of outrage, amusement, and speculation. Many shared similar experiences, while others raised the possibility of scams.
“Same here! Someone once asked me for a job a few months ago, but later backed out, saying they were going to work for their dad, who’s apparently a big boss. Then, a few months later, they suddenly WhatsApp me asking to borrow money. Do they think I’m a bank or something?”
“It might not have been them—it could’ve been a scammer. I’ve had a WhatsApp message before from someone pretending to be my ex-boss asking for money, but it wasn’t really him.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
