Discover Communities

News

Career Growth

Interview Tips & Stories

Career Advice

View all communities

Post

Interview Tips & Stories

2mo (edited)

a team lead

I left a job interview after just one question. Was that a mistake?

Today, I had an interview for a job I was really looking forward to. The job description seemed great, the pay was okay, and the company had good feedback online. I went in, shook hands with the person in charge of hiring, and we sat down to talk. Then, they asked their first question: "How do you feel about working extra hours without pay?" I actually laughed because I thought it was a joke. But the interviewer just looked at me, waiting for my answer. I asked if working extra time was required and if they paid for it. They said, "Well, we expect people to stay as long as they need to finish their work. Everyone here really cares about what they do, so we don't keep track of extra hours." I just stood up and said, "Thank you for your time, but this job isn't right for me," and then I left. Now, I'm wondering if I did the wrong thing. Should I have stayed and listened to more about the job? Or was leaving the right decision?

Comments

Popularity

a senior executive

1mo

What comes from the subconscious mind is always right!

handsomegun

1mo

works at

Infosys

[a senior executive](username) truee

a software development engineer

1mo

We are not slaves, if working extra hours becomes a habit it will cause burnout in the long run and it's not a good sign Honestly I might have done the same as you, if they don't value our time I can imagine how will be our time at the company

a team lead

author

1mo

[a software development engineer](username) exactly its about basic respect for boundaries and time.

shrunkencorn

1mo

ex -

Ksolves India Limited

Engagement Farming post with fake scenario. I do this on LinkedIn though. Good Content to copy paste

a team lead

author

1mo

[shrunkencorn](username) just to clarify, this actually did happen to me. I know it sounds thoda filmy, but that was literally the very first question they asked. I shared it here not for engagement, but because I genuinely felt confused after walking out and wanted to hear different perspectives. apppreciate you reading it either way

shimmertulip

1mo

works at

PNB MetLife

Though you should not regret but at the same time as per your research company online feedback was good.. (so assuming) which means generally work load is not stretched beyond working hour. this question might be to understand the level of dedication of individual for the role and work. May be next time have some patience to hear them till end and do not get so emotional because you can always rethink once you have offer in hand and contact with employees and take feedback, if anything bothering you.

a team lead

author

1mo

[shimmertulip](username) the reviews did seem fine online, which is why I was actually looking forward to it. But honestly, that first question just threw me off completely

timepasstiwari

2mo

A Digital Markter

They basically started the interview asking “are you ok with the company taking advantage of you?”. You made the right decision.

a team lead

author

2mo

[timepasstiwari](username) wahi toh that’s how they start, it’s better to walk away than get stuck in a bad situation.

an operations executive

2mo

You trusted your gut and respected your boundaries that’s never the wrong move.

a team lead

author

2mo

[an operations executive](username) thanks man

a deputy manager

2mo

You did right, But itna hero banne ke chalar me Jobless mat bethe rehna, 2 - 3 or interviews me aise heroic dialogues use kar lena But end me yes bolke hi job milegI :D

a team lead

author

2mo

[a deputy manager](username) haha no bro me apply krte rhunga

humorousrasam

2mo

works at

AJACKUS

No, you did a favour on yourself saved yourself from depression and burnout.

a team lead

author

2mo

[humorousrasam](username) thanks I really needed to hear this

callmepandeyji

2mo

currently not working

I understand why you walked out, and standing up for your values is important—but sometimes means seeing the bigger picture before making a decision. Sure, the first question was a red flag. But instead of walking out immediately, you might’ve used the rest of the interview to gather more insight. Was this just one person's mindset, or a company-wide culture? Was there flexibility in how "extra hours" are defined? Could the role have opened doors that made the initial compromise worth it in the long run? Ambition isn’t just about refusing what's beneath your standards—it's also about knowing when to dig deeper, ask the tough questions, and make strategic choices. You might’ve learned something valuable, even if you still walked away in the end. Sometimes, leaving too soon means missing the chance to turn a questionable situation into an opportunity.

a team lead

author

2mo

[callmepandeyji](username) Thanks for your advice! u are right, maybe I should have stayed and listened more to understand better. But that first question felt like a big red flag to me. I just didn’t want to waste time if the company didn’t respect people’s time.

sololeveller1111

2mo

works at

NTT Data

It's not taking advantage. It's slavery exploitation

a team lead

author

2mo

[sololeveller1111](username) u just said it

awesomesnail

2mo

works at

Flipkart

I would have just said "I don't work for free" and see what they say after that lol

a team lead

author

2mo

[awesomesnail](username) they won't be able to handle this honesty

View 1 more reply

favouritebhaji

2mo

works at

IDBI Bank

I assume they’d reply with the famous “we’ll call you” without ever calling.

a team lead

author

2mo

[clearseal](username) It's either that or "Well, we do have some more interviews today, but we'll let you know by the end of the week." Same difference, really, but the wording seems to be this these days rather than just the old "Don't call us, we'll call you".

View 1 more reply

splendidpakora

2mo

A Marketing Manager

Was walking out the right move? Depends on how desperate you are. That company would have absolutely taken advantage of you and that question was a test to see if they could take advantage of you, likely while underpaying you.

a team lead

author

2mo

[splendidpakora](username) I wasn’t desperate and that question just didn’t sit right with me. Felt like they were already trying to take advantage before even giving me a chance. Better to walk away than get stuck in a bad situation!