I recently completed a Karat interview that I found to be professional and a valuable opportunity to showcase my skills. The technical aspect was handled well, and I appreciated the thoughtful questions and supportive environment. However, the experience took a downturn after my conversation with HR. During our discussion, I transparently shared my current CTC and the base pay of the offer I am holding. I also communicated that I was seeking a 30% increase over my current offer. Despite this openness, HR quickly assumed that my primary motivation was financial gain, without considering other important factors I value in a role, such as company culture and long-term growth opportunities. This quick judgment felt unfair and did not account for the broader picture of what I am looking for in my next career move. It was disappointing to have the process end based on this assumption rather than a comprehensive evaluation of my skills and interests. I hope the company reconsiders its approach to candidate evaluations in the future. While salary is a significant factor, it's essential to recognize that candidates also weigh various other aspects of a role. A more in-depth evaluation process could lead to a better understanding of candidates' true motivations and potential contributions.