Five interview rounds wasted: Job candidate rejected for asking about salary range. 'Our priorities don't align'

In an increasingly competitive job market, salary transparency has become one of the most contentious issues between employers and candidates. While companies often emphasise passion, culture fit, and long-term commitment, job seekers are pushing back against interview processes that avoid clear conversations about pay. A recent Reddit post has reignited this debate after a candidate claimed he was rejected at the final stage of hiring simply for asking about compensation—after completing five rounds of interviews over six weeks.