Reddit Exposes Stark Contrasts in Indian & US Startup Hiring Practices
A Reddit user's experience with Indian and US startups has sparked a wider debate about hiring practices in India. The user highlighted stark differences, including unpaid assignments and chaotic interview processes in India, contrasting with a respectful and structured approach in the US.
The Redditor's journey began when a US startup's CTO reached out on X (formerly Twitter) after noticing their project during a global hackathon. The hiring process in the US was described as respectful and structured, involving a short call, two paid assignments, a one-on-one interview, and a group discussion within a set timeline.
In contrast, the Redditor's experience with Indian companies was chaotic. They alleged that some Indian startups use candidates' unpaid assignments in production. The hiring process often involved multiple technical rounds with little context, 'endless' interview chains, and weeks of silence. Thousands of professionals on Reddit echoed frustrations about HR ghosting, free take-home projects, and lack of respect for candidates' time in Indian hiring. The Redditor suggested that Indian startups should respect candidates' time and not make them 'jump through flaming hoops' for low-paying roles.
The discussion has sparked wider calls for reform in Indian hiring practices, including paying for test work, streamlining interview rounds, and maintaining transparent communication. The contrasting experiences highlight the need for Indian companies to respect candidates' time and provide a more structured and respectful hiring process.
