The interview with HSBC was conducted directly by HR over the phone without any prior appointment. The entire conversation revolved around salary expectations. After reviewing my resume, the HR representative bluntly stated that the salary I requested was too high and that the company's budget was limited. I explained that my salary expectation was based on market standards and my current salary. However, the HR representative was arrogant and unwilling to listen, and even proposed an unreasonable salary conversion logic.
Since I am currently working in the mainland, the HR representative claimed that if my monthly salary in the mainland is CNY20,000, the salary for the position in Hong Kong would be at most CNY20,000 yuan × exchange rate × 20%. I refuted this calculation method, pointing out that she ignored the differences in income and living costs between the mainland and Hong Kong, and explained that a monthly salary of HKD40,000 or more is needed in Hong Kong to cover expenses. The HR representative sneered and refused to accept my viewpoint.
Shortly after, the HR asked me about the basic situation of my current company and inquired if my expected salary could be negotiated further. I suggested that we could discuss it in more detail after the subsequent interview. The HR gave a cold laugh and hung up the phone directly. Less than five minutes after the call ended, I received an official rejection email. The interview was over hastily and no professional communication related to the position was involved.