To think that was an inappropriate thing to say in an interview?

[SharpMintBeaker]

Went for a job interview and at the end, the interviewer said “here’s the thing. This kind of money can corrupt people.” It felt like a weird power trip or like he was implying I didn’t deserve the salary. AIBU to think that was unprofessional and a bit insulting?

Of course I have. But in the pursuit of money. So someone who has gambling debt is more likely to be cutout by the temptation of a bribe.

Someone - for example a police officer - might take a bride (money) to turn a blind eye to speeding offense.

however in the context of receiving a higher salary I am not clear how that would corrupt someone.

sorry, I clearly haven’t explained myself sufficiently to ensure all understand the point I am making.

do you seriously not understand 🤣🤣🤣🤣

All power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Was the job International Head Of Minions And Spying And Stuff or overnight shelf stacking.

I’m a TA - no-one has ever said my £19 per decade is corrupting anything

I honestly don’t understand what was meant. Is he saying the salary level for the post is more than he thinks it deserves ?

Ask @Lostsoultrip - she seems to understand what was meant and can’t believe we are all confused 🤔

But people working in the council’s planning department would hardly be corrupted by their salaries!

I’m not saying they would, just asking if it’s a role where corruption was even a possibility

He's probably sounding you out to see if you're on for joining his nefarious schemes.

The correct response would be to say knowingly "Message received," while simultaneously nodding, winking and tapping the side of your nose - but in a subtle sort of way.

Well it sure as hell ain't minimum wage.

Was he trying to persuade you that you wouldn't be a nice person if you took all the money and would therefore 'prove' yourself as the better candidate if you took less than the going rate?

Sounds like a twatty attempt at manipulation (and it would not surprise me if it's something he reserves for female candidates).

“Bring it on mate, sounds like fantastic fun.”

I’m a dickhead, so I’d have said that. Actually, because I’m a dickhead, I’d never earn the sort of money that could corrupt anyone. Oh well.

Sounds like he's terribly impressed by what he and his colleagues earn and utterly convinced it makes them very special. Some people get very very invested in their career as evidence that they're edgy and a source of fascination to others (usually because they have the charisma of a gym shower hairball). I once sat through an interview with a godawful prick who spent the entire time telling me that because the job was in the City I'd have to up my game. Pace is different in the City and people in the City have different expectations. It wouldn't have been my first city (or City 🙄) job and when I got to the bottom of what they actually wanted (as opposed to what they'd told the agency) I could have done it with my eyes closed.

The other option is they're lowballing you and that was an attempt to make the salary package sound irresistible. How easy is it to benchmark their offer?

Well it is exactly the point. If the salary was 30k a year and you were going for a store manager role in Morrisons he’s clearly a twat. If we’re talking city trader and the salary is 600k he might have a point.

Especially if the salary is actually 900k for the men and he's trying to manipulate her into 600k with a 'now, why are you asking for more money, I thought you weren't like the others and weren't going to let mere money corrupt you?'.

I would assume the person interviewing you is in a senior role in the company/business, does that mean they have been corrupted? Bizarre thing to say. Reflects poorly on their values I would say.

Given that lots of companies consider minimum wage to be a high salary that employees should be grateful for, it might not be that high!

@SharpMintBeaker that remark was totally unprofessional and it sounds like he was on some kind of a power trip. I would be careful of him if you do end up working there / for him. What kind of job is this out of interest?

the exact figure is part of the point bc you’ve given no context. What was discussed before that point before he said that? Given he mentioned money, it’s only logical that the salary is being asked about in lieu of any context.

It’s got to be selling drugs. Class As.

Also the poster who said they were winked at with a click. I’m trying to figure this out. The click? They made a noise? Or clicked the keyboard and sent a wink emoji?

Glass eye. 👁️‍🗨️

You didn't say what the job interview was for; is it like as a drug dealer/mule, gangland boss or MP? Jobs associated with a high level of corruption. In that context, it wouldn't be an unusual thing to say...

Nice of him to tell you that he's a patronising twat. Would you be working for him if you got the job?

Was he a record label boss or Movie mogul? Are you an up and coming pop star / actress, ripe for self destruction? Sorry, it is a bit of a cliche...

Money is a medium of exchange. The company pays the employee for their time and work. There is a contract betweeen them in which each party has obligations. So long as these are fulfilled there is nothing to corrupt.

It is the love of money that corrupts, not being paid for work.

How did you respond OP?