A Malaysian HR worker has sparked discussion online after sharing the story of a job candidate who arrived for an interview with her 7-year-old child.
In a Threads post, the HR worker said the child was still dressed in a school uniform and waited outside the office during the interview.
The candidate explained that she had no one else to look after her child as her mother was unwell.
Worked in a factory for 9 years
While reviewing the candidate’s application, the HR worker noticed that her resume was mostly empty and that she had not passed SPM.
However, she had nine years of factory experience and was reportedly familiar with all the machines there.
The position required applicants to have SPM qualifications, which the HR worker said was a condition set by her boss.
When asked why she did not continue studying, the candidate replied that she had to start working at 17 as she had to care for her sick mother.
Tried to help
Despite the SPM requirement, the HR worker submitted the candidate’s name and added a note explaining her experience and situation.
However, her boss rejected the application and said the requirements had to be followed.
The HR worker recalled that the woman’s child quietly played with a pencil outside until the interview ended.
She also offered the candidate RM10 for food, but the woman declined, saying she had not come there to ask for money.
Until today, I still remember the child’s face,” the HR worker wrote.
She added that while requirements exist for a reason, some people still end up being held back by “a piece of paper”.
Experience vs qualifications
The post drew mixed reactions, with several Malaysians questioning why years of experience could not be considered alongside academic qualifications.
One commenter said having SPM does not necessarily mean someone can do a job well, while not having it does not mean someone is incapable.
The HR worker agreed that experience can sometimes outweigh certificates, but said HR personnel may still have to follow conditions set by employers or clients.
Others also pointed out the irony that fresh graduates can be rejected for lacking experience, while experienced workers may still be turned away for lacking qualifications.
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