Companies often emphasise transparency during hiring but how far is too far?
A Malaysian jobseeker says her recent interview crossed the line when the HR manager allegedly asked her to reveal deeply personal financial details, including her rent, car model, and monthly commitments.
In a series of posts shared online, the woman recounted how what should have been a straightforward interview “turned into a personal audit”.
‘She asked why I needed that amount’
According to her, the moment the interviewer saw her expected salary, she immediately asked for justification.
“I told her I had many commitments. She then asked me to list every single one of them, including the exact cost,” she wrote.
However, instead of evaluating her qualifications, the interviewer allegedly calculated her expenses and responded: “Your commitments don’t even add up to this much.”
The woman said she remained polite because she was still in the interview, but internally she wanted to say:
If you don’t agree with my expected salary, don’t call me in. Check the resume first. If I don’t meet your budget, don’t waste my time. I paid for parking, petrol and toll just to be here!”
Claims interviewer wasn’t serious from the start
The candidate shared that she had already pitched her skills confidently during the introduction, and the interviewer appeared impressed with her experience.
But despite that, she said the interviewer looked disengaged and uninterested in conducting the session properly.
“I did my research and even lowered my expected salary. I was still within their budget. But she didn’t seem like she wanted to do the interview professionally,” she wrote.
Conversation allegedly shifted into personal territory
Instead of focusing on her skills or work achievements, the interviewer allegedly asked:
- How much rent she pays
- What car she drives
- What her monthly commitments are
- For a detailed, itemised list of every bill she pays
The woman, who works in HR herself, said she was stunned.
“I’ve never questioned a candidate’s expected salary like that. If it’s too high, we just say the company can’t afford it. But she even asked me what car I drive. Why does a staff member need to disclose that?”
‘Wasn’t even asking for their maximum budget’
The OP clarified that her expected salary fell between the company’s minimum and maximum range, far from excessive.
“I didn’t even reach their maximum budget. I was asking in between. But she kept questioning me like I didn’t deserve it.”
At one point, the woman joked that if the interviewer wanted her to “pitch until elephants can fly,” she could do it because she had already sold herself thoroughly.
The woman also claimed she was kept waiting outside the interview room for nearly half an hour. Before arriving, her messages and calls allegedly went unanswered.
“From the start, she already hinted she was going to reject me.”
Once the interview ended, the woman left immediately without expecting a callback.
“This is why we put expected salary, to help HR filter. If the candidate doesn’t fit your budget, skip the resume. Don’t waste people’s time.”
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