A bizarre hiring exchange has sparked outrage across professional networks after a job candidate revealed that a startup founder dismissed his salary request by saying, “We don’t pay salaries, we offer connections.”
The applicant, who had applied for a Social Media and Community Manager role, shared the experience on Reddit, describing the conversation as “shockingly tone-deaf.” The founder reportedly told the candidate that the position would provide “exposure and lifelong professional contacts,” but no financial remuneration.
The post quickly went viral, with users across LinkedIn and X criticising the mindset that equates networking or “learning opportunities” with fair pay. Many HR professionals called the incident a reminder that the “work for experience” narrative continues to exploit young and aspiring jobseekers, particularly in early-stage startups.
Labour experts say such practices blur the line between volunteering and employment, stripping value from legitimate work. “No one should have to trade their labour for vague promises of exposure,” said an HR consultant responding to the viral post.
Critics argue that normalising unpaid roles harms workplace equity by excluding candidates who cannot afford to work without income. Several professionals also questioned how such approaches align with labour laws and ethical hiring standards in India.
The episode has reignited conversations around transparency in recruitment, especially in the startup sector, where enthusiasm and vision often mask poor employment practices. The consensus among employees and HR voices is clear: connections may build careers, but salaries sustain them. |
