'Do you live with parents?' Why job recruiters ask this and what it might mean. Reddit uncovers

Job interviews are meant to assess a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and fit for a role, but sometimes questions venture into personal territory. One such query — “Do you live with your parents?” — has sparked debate online about whether it’s a harmless icebreaker or a subtle tactic to influence salary negotiations. A recent discussion on Reddit has shed light on why some recruiters might ask this and how candidates perceive it.

Candidate’s Concerns Over Intrusive Questions
In the Reddit post, a recent graduate shared that two different interviewers had asked if they lived with their parents. The first time it happened, the company later extended a job offer, which the candidate declined due to multiple warning signs. In a later interview, another recruiter repeated the question, then pressed for details on other job offers and reasons for rejecting them.

The poster admitted feeling uneasy, unsure whether the question was even appropriate, and suspected it was used to gauge financial dependency. They believed recruiters might assume that living with family meant lower expenses, making it easier to justify a reduced salary.

They expressed frustration at the imbalance in the hiring process, where interviewees are expected to answer perfectly while interviewers can probe into matters unrelated to job performance. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, the candidate wondered whether artificial intelligence could replace such practices altogether.

Community Reaction: Salary Lowballing Suspicions
Many Reddit users agreed that such questions often signal an attempt to determine how low an offer can go. One commenter explained that living at home may be interpreted as less financial pressure, while rejecting offers may suggest the candidate can afford to wait for better opportunities.

Some advised that honesty is not required in such situations, suggesting candidates could say they pay rent to parents or mention ongoing applications elsewhere. Others recommended calmly asking why the question was relevant to the role.

Navigating Uncomfortable Interview Moments
Several users shared strategies for handling these situations, including responding with curiosity — “Why do you ask?” — or pointing out the question’s irrelevance. A few recounted similar experiences where employers asked about unemployment benefits or personal financial matters.

While the original poster admitted they were inexperienced in deflecting such queries, the discussion underscored a common sentiment: certain interview questions may be less about assessing capability and more about identifying opportunities to offer less compensation.