A routine walk-in job interview in Gurugram turned unexpectedly pleasant after a candidate was offered a snack and a cold beverage — a gesture that has since sparked lively discussion online about workplace culture and basic courtesy during hiring.
The experience was shared by a user on Reddit, where the post quickly gained traction and drew mixed but mostly amused reactions.
Walk-in interview with no preparation
According to the post, the candidate had attended a walk-in interview after spotting the opportunity on LinkedIn earlier the same day. With no formal preparation, the individual said the goal was simply to assess current software skills, understand how interviews are conducted, and get a sense of the job market and company culture.
The surprise came when the company offered refreshments — a samosa and a small bottle of cold drink — something many candidates said they had never experienced during interviews.
The user also shared a photo of the snack, which became the focal point of online chatter.
Small gesture, big debate
Many Reddit users viewed the act as a positive reflection of workplace culture. Several commenters said such small gestures often leave a lasting impression on candidates and indicate how a company treats people at all levels.
“Very nice gesture by a company. These small things are always remembered,” one user wrote.
Others responded with humour and sarcasm, joking about interviews offering snacks while salaries remain modest. Some raised health concerns, questioning the choice of deep-fried food and sugary drinks, while a few suggested alternatives — from protein snacks to biryani.
What it says about hiring culture
While opinions varied, the post highlighted a broader conversation about hiring etiquette in India’s corporate ecosystem. Candidates noted that many organisations do not even offer water or tea during long interview processes, making the simple samosa-and-juice gesture stand out.
Some users also shared their own contrasting experiences — from being offered full meals at tech parks to companies serving minimal food at official events.
Courtesy over claims
The post included a disclaimer that claims made by Reddit users could not be independently verified. Still, the discussion underlined how minor acts of hospitality can influence perceptions of a company, especially in a competitive job market where candidate experience matters.
As more professionals prioritise work culture alongside compensation, such moments — however small — continue to shape reputations well beyond the interview room.
Source – https://newskarnataka.com/india/interview-surprise-job-seeker-gets-samosa-and-cold-drink/02012026