Job interviews are meant to evaluate skills and fit — not to cross personal boundaries. Yet, a recent account from a candidate in Mumbai is putting the spotlight on hiring practices that many say go too far.

Recruiter Asked About Family Income and Marriage Plans

In a now-viral Reddit post, a job seeker shared a troubling encounter with a marketing agency based in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. The candidate claimed that during the interview, the company’s director — not an HR rep — asked a string of deeply personal questions, including the number of earning members in the family and marital plans.

“In today’s episode of recruiters reaching a new low: Got asked about the ‘earning members in the family’,” the candidate wrote. The individual was caught off guard when these inappropriate interview questions were asked mid-conversation, raising immediate red flags about the company’s professionalism and hiring process.

Meanwhile, the discussion quickly escalated in the comment section. Another user pointed out the unusual presence of a director during the initial round, to which the original poster responded that the HR department handled the early stage — until the line of questioning turned invasive.

Job Candidates Share Similar Hiring Horror Stories

This post resonated widely, earning over 200 upvotes and igniting a broader conversation on unethical hiring practices in India. Numerous users chimed in with their own experiences, echoing the concern over personal and irrelevant interview questions that seem designed to judge a candidate’s financial background or vulnerability.

One commenter recounted being asked about their father’s occupation, family income, and even their commute plans — before any formal interview was scheduled. “She collected all this info and ghosted me,” the user noted, referring to the HR representative.

Another job seeker detailed a moment when they were asked about their commitment to their career based on family financial dynamics. “I got the offer, but I didn’t join. When I explained why, they brushed it off,” the user shared, underlining the lack of accountability many candidates face.

The Broader Problem with Intrusive Hiring Practices

Notably, this trend reflects a larger issue: using private information to gauge a candidate’s financial need or desperation. This tactic, as many Reddit users suggested, enables companies to manipulate offers and working conditions — especially in competitive job markets.

These types of inappropriate job interview questions not only violate ethical hiring standards but also discourage top talent from engaging with certain employers. Industry watchers and HR professionals are calling for more structured, respectful interview guidelines that focus on skills and qualifications — not socioeconomic profiling.

For candidates navigating the job market, recognizing these red flags during interviews is crucial. Meanwhile, companies must address the deeper cultural issues within their recruitment processes to build trust and attract quality talent.

For official hiring guidelines, candidates can refer to resources like the National HRD Network or NASSCOM.