Job interviews can be stressful, you prepare answers, rehearse your strengths, and hope to impress the interviewer.
But sometimes, the questions you get can throw you completely off guard.
When that happens, you either scramble for a polished response or, like one job candidate, fire back with an answer that turns the tables entirely.
That’s exactly what happened during a recent interview for a graphic designer position.
A hiring manager’s unexpected salary question led to a bold and thought-provoking response that quickly went viral, sparking a larger discussion about fair pay, company expectations, and knowing your worth in the workplace.
‘If we pay you RM3,000, can you generate RM30,000 for this company?’
The interview seemed to be going as usual, until the hiring manager put forth a challenging question:
If we pay you RM3,000, can you generate RM30,000 for this company?”
It was the kind of question that could leave many candidates stumped. But instead of hesitating, this job seeker decided to turn it around with a clever counter-question:
What if I generate RM90,000 for the company? Can I then receive a salary of RM9,000 per month?”
That one response shifted the entire tone of the conversation. It wasn’t just a witty comeback, it highlighted a much bigger issue: if companies expect employees to bring in massive revenue, shouldn’t those employees be fairly compensated?
Supporters applaud the confidence, others call it unrealistic
The exchange was shared on LinkedIn by Affendi H., who admired the candidate’s confidence. He saw the response as a reminder that employees who contribute significantly should be paid accordingly.
“If you’ve delivered 10 times more than expected and they still say you’re ungrateful, maybe it’s time to rethink where you’re investing your efforts,” he wrote.
The post quickly gained traction, with many supporting the candidate’s stance.
“I think the younger generation is more assertive in a positive way. If I were the interviewer, I would have hired them on the spot.”
But not everyone agreed.
Some pointed out that generating revenue is typically the job of the sales team, not a graphic designer.
Others felt that while standing up for yourself in an interview is important, challenging an interviewer so directly might not always be the smartest move.
Another also questioned the company’s expectations:
“RM3,000 is an entry-level salary. If a company expects a return of RM30,000 from someone earning that amount, something is seriously wrong with its culture.
The candidate’s final decision: walking away
Despite all the buzz surrounding the conversation, the candidate ultimately turned down the job offer due to a three-month probation requirement.
The entire situation has sparked a bigger debate about salary expectations, employee value, and how companies should approach compensation.
Should employees be paid based on the revenue they generate? Or should job roles come with fair, structured salaries that don’t place unrealistic pressure on individuals?
At the end of the day, knowing your worth is key. But so is finding a company that values it too.
What do you think?
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