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A bizarre virtual job interview experience shared by a chartered accountant has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and disbelief over unusual hiring practices in corporate workplaces.

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The incident came to light after the candidate posted on Reddit describing how she was allegedly instructed to sit in a “namaste” position with her eyes closed during an online interview. The unusual request left many internet users stunned, with several calling the process “humiliating” and “deeply unprofessional.”

According to the viral Reddit post, the woman had applied for an accountant role through a recruitment agency. During the interview, she claimed the interviewer abruptly instructed her to join her hands and close her eyes while remaining silent.

“She asked me to close my eyes and sit in namaste posture,” the candidate wrote in the post.

The applicant further alleged that the interviewer asked her to remain in that position for nearly 15 minutes while observing her reactions on camera.

“I was confused whether this was an interview or some meditation session,” she reportedly wrote.

The post quickly gained traction online, with thousands of users reacting to the strange experience. Many questioned whether companies are increasingly crossing professional boundaries during recruitment processes.

Several social media users criticised the interviewer’s conduct and expressed concern over psychological pressure tactics being used during hiring.

“This is not recruitment. This is manipulation,” one user commented.

Another user joked: “Next round probably involves chanting mantras before salary negotiation.”

The incident has reignited broader conversations about toxic work culture and unconventional hiring methods that job seekers increasingly encounter during interviews. Many users shared their own uncomfortable experiences involving aggressive questioning, unpaid assignments, personality tests, and excessive screening rounds.

Career experts say interviewers should maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid activities that may cause discomfort, embarrassment, or emotional distress to candidates. Human resource specialists also warned that unconventional behavioural experiments without consent can negatively impact employer reputation.

The viral discussion also highlighted the growing role of Reddit and social media platforms in exposing workplace culture issues. Posts describing strange interview experiences frequently gain attention online as frustrated candidates seek validation and advice from others navigating the job market.

While some users speculated that the interviewer may have been testing patience, mindfulness, or stress tolerance, many argued there are ethical and professional ways to evaluate such qualities without making candidates uncomfortable.

The company involved has not publicly responded to the allegations so far. However, the incident continues to spark debate online about whether hiring practices in some organisations are becoming increasingly intrusive and performative.

As the post spreads across social media, many professionals are now questioning where recruiters should draw the line between candidate assessment and personal dignity during interviews.