6 Job Interview Red Flags Employers Need To Watch Out For
By Marta Gongos Red flags aren’t just something to watch out for when dating—you should also be on your guard when interviewing candidates for a job!
An impressive resume is great, but every hiring team knows the job interview is the real deal-maker or breaker. Remember that anyone can look good on paper with diplomas, certificates, and experience, but that’s not all there is to it.
Most people will be on their best behaviour during a job interview, so how can you tell if they’re waving actual green flags or just red ones covered in green paint? It can be especially tricky during a drawn out interview process, but we’re here to help.
Watch out for these to start hiring better talent!
1. Poor Communication Skills
Effective communication is a fundamental skill in almost any job. An inability to express oneself clearly can lead to misunderstands and miscommunication down the road.
It’s not just about speaking clearly and articulately; it encompasses listening, understanding, and the ability to convey ideas and information in a way that’s easily comprehensible.
Source: Canva
2. Unexplained Tardiness
First impressions matter whether we like it or not. Showing up late communicates showing they don’t respect the interview process or you as a hiring manager.
Attending the interview on time is a huge part of the first impression. To that effect, showing up late without prior notice or a valid reason upon arrival is a crimson red flag—what makes you think they’ll actually show up to work on time?
3. Doesn’t Ask Any Questions
Even though a hiring manager is the one in charge of conducting the interview, it’s still supposed to be a two-sided conversation.
You want to get to know more about the candidate’s skills, work history, and potential. At the same time, you might expect your next marketing manager to want to know a little bit more about your company, right?
They should be curious about their role, the team, your company’s culture, and work schedule. Not asking any of these things is an indicator they aren’t serious, or have poor listening skills—neither are what hiring managers want.
4. Unprofessional Behaviour
Any signs of rudeness, disrespect, or unprofessionalism during the interview should be taken seriously as they may carry over into the workplace.
Some signs of unprofessional behaviour can be displayed in their body language. This form of communication is just as important as verbal communication. A job candidate can say one thing while saying the exact opposite with their body language.
Be on the lookout for things like a lack of eye contact or slacked-over posture. Improper body language could be an indicator of a lack of confidence, excessive confidence, unprofessionalism, or a negative attitude.
The ideal candidate will speak as clearly, formally, and professionally as possible. The interview process isn’t just about finding someone to work a job—you’re choosing someone that will represent your brand.
5. Inadequate or Inconsistent Resume
An applicant’s resume is typically the first point of reference for employers, and it plays a pivotal role in the hiring process. Discrepancies in a candidate’s resume can indicate a lack of integrity or the willingness to embellish qualifications.
Resumes are meant to provide a concise and accurate overview of a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills. If the resume contains inaccuracies, such as incorrect job title, fabricated job responsibilities, or exaggerated achievements, it’s a significant concern.
If you’re going to overlook any interview red flags, it shouldn’t be this one.
6. Complains About Previous Jobs
We get it, not every job experience is a positive one. However, there is a time and a place for this topic of conversation—and it isn’t during an interview.
Whether or not their feelings are justified, a consistently pessimistic outlook or a history of unresolved conflicts can be indicators of a problematic attitude that can disrupt your team’s harmony.
The Green Flag of Recruitment Agencies
The hiring process can be complex, especially when the list of interview red flags you have to watch out for seems endless—but it doesn’t have to be.
If you find yourself noticing these red flags popping up far too often when conducting interviews, then maybe it’s time to consider working with a professional recruitment agency. At Ad Culture, we specialize in finding you green-flag candidates!
Contact us to start hiring talent today.
