Applicant Stands Up And Leaves After Job Interviewer’s Question About “Handling Unpaid Overtime”

There are many questions, both appropriate and downright weird, that employers, managers, and HR peeps sometimes ask during job interviews. We’ve compiled a list of such questions many times – and it turns out that more than one job seeker has actually encountered something similar. Today’s situation is no exception.

The user u/sahalymn, the author of the story we are about to tell you today, recently went to an interview at a company from which they didn’t expect the slightest trick. However, literally the very first question during the interview actually embarrassed them and made them suspect that it was a joke. Already intrigued? Then let’s read on.

More info: Reddit

The author of the post recently attended a job interview for an interesting position with a decent salary

A hiring manager in a blue sweater enthusiastically shakes hands with a candidate in an office setting.

Image credits: Drazen Zigic / Freepik (not the actual photo)

However, the very first question was about the job seeker’s attitude toward working unpaid overtime

Text image discussing a job interview where the hiring manager talks about unpaid overtime.

Text in image asks about handling unpaid overtime, relating to employees working unpaid hours.

Image credits: sahalymn

Empty wallet symbolizing unpaid overtime and passionate employees.

Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The author was baffled and thought it was just a joke – but it turned out it actually wasn’t

Text from applicant laughing about unpaid overtime during an interview discussion.

Text expressing passionate employees working unpaid overtime in a humorous context.

Image credits: sahalymn

Candidate in a job interview with hiring managers, reflecting on unpaid overtime passion claim.

Image credits: Wavebreak Media / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The manager said that everyone in the company is incredibly eager to get things done, so they don’t even track overtime hours

Candidate declines job offer over unpaid overtime demand.

Text questioning decision on job offer related to unpaid overtime and passion.

Image credits: sahalymn

The author then just stood up and walked out, considering this a big red flag

So, the Original Poster (OP) is looking for a job (at least a few of their other posts are also dedicated to job interviews and open positions), and they recently received an invitation to an interview for a position that they were very interested in. The salary that the company was offering for this vacancy was also more than decent.

But literally the first question that the author was asked by the company representatives during the interview was how they felt about working unpaid overtime. The job seeker was surprised and even asked for clarification, expecting this to be a joke, but they were told the same thing straight out – working overtime without any additional compensation. It turned out that this is, well… a company tradition.

According to the manager themselves, everyone in the company is so passionate about their work that they literally do not leave their workplace until all tasks for the day are completed. And if this means free overtime work, then so be it. Moreover, according to the manager, the company doesn’t track extra hours at all.

Now everything became clear to the author. They stood up, politely thanked them for their time, but admitted that this wasn’t the right fit for them. After which they calmly left. But now, after some time, the original poster has begun to be tormented by doubts – did they do the right thing in this situation? After all, both the position itself and the salary were quite interesting.

Person in a suit counting money at a desk with a calculator, representing employee passion and unpaid overtime.

Image credits: wirestock / Freepik (not the actual photo)

If you’re wondering whether it’s even legal to work overtime for free, don’t rush to say “no.” As with almost any business situation, there are many nuances. For example, this dedicated article on Clockify points out that, yes, in most cases, working unpaid overtime is illegal – but there are exceptions. For example, such work may be classified as “voluntary.”

In other words, your employment contract will not stipulate that you are required to work overtime, but it is at your own discretion. And, accordingly, once such a practice becomes a “corporate tradition,” you will not be able to de facto leave your workplace on time. Moreover, overtime hours, as we saw in the post above, are not tracked by the company.

If the employer fails to follow the overtime rules stipulated in an employment contract, then, as Punchwork notes, “the employee could pursue a claim for damages due to breach of contract.” But, here, since such a question is asked first during a job interview, it means that, most likely, there have already been precedents of a clash of interests between employees and the company.

People in the comments also agree that the OP did absolutely the right thing. After all, if they are a conscientious and experienced specialist in their field, they will find a job in any case. So putting up with such things is, according to the responders, completely unacceptable. By the way, have you, our dear readers, ever encountered something like this at work?

Most commenters just said the applicant was right since such corporate practice is completely inappropriate

Text discussing unpaid overtime and career changes for better pay.

Text conversation about interview with hiring manager discussing unpaid overtime.

Comments discussing passionate employees and unpaid overtime concerns.

Comment humorously reacts to unpaid overtime expectations with, "I don't work for free," highlighting candidate's perspective.

Text discussing salaried positions, unpaid overtime, and legal work requirements.

Comment on employees' unpaid overtime, stating 'Flawless victory. Don't question it for a second.

Comment on unpaid overtime; user calls workplace a "toxic thieving place" and advises departure.

Text exchange criticizing unpaid overtime and work disrespect, with sarcastic response.

Comment highlights red flags and desperation on unpaid overtime.

Text exchange about unpaid overtime; candidate humorously states it's illegal.

Text exchange about an HR manager demanding 80-hour workweeks; the candidate laughs at unpaid overtime expectations.

Candidate laughs at hiring manager's comment on unpaid overtime and growth promises, screenshot of online comment.

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