A Malaysian employer has sparked an online debate after criticising a Gen Z candidate for asking for a monthly salary of up to RM5,000.
The employer questioned whether the salary expectation was reasonable, given the candidate’s experience and ability to work independently.
Candidate had two years of experience
Reported by mStar, the employer said the candidate had asked for a salary between RM4,500 and RM5,000 during a job interview.
The employer then questioned why a Gen Z candidate with only two years of working experience would expect such a salary.
According to the employer, the candidate was also unable to confidently answer when asked whether they could work independently.
“When asked if you can work independently and complete tasks without supervision, you could not give a clear answer,” the employer wrote.
The employer, who works in the engineering industry, claimed to have reviewed a large number of job applications over the years.
M’sians defended the candidate
The post received mixed reactions online, with many Malaysians defending the candidate’s salary expectations.
Some argued that Gen Z workers are still developing their skills and should be given opportunities to learn on the job.
“If you cannot afford to hire them, then do not. In today’s economy, a salary of RM4,000 is normal,” one person commented.
Others said employers should simply be transparent if the company cannot match a candidate’s expected salary.
“Just tell the candidate that your company cannot afford their expected salary. That is all,” another person wrote.
One commenter added that young people should not be criticised for being ambitious.
If you cannot afford to pay them, do not hire them. There is no need to blame young people for having high ambitions.”
Another jokingly asked the employer to reveal the company’s name so that jobseekers could avoid applying there.
The debate has once again raised questions about whether salary expectations are keeping pace with the rising cost of living.
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