During this season of layoffs, it can be a relief to finally land a job interview. Perhaps you’ve had your eye on the company for a while, and you are already imagining what it will be like working there. Don’t let the rush of hope overshadow the task at hand, which is ensuring this new opportunity is the right one for you. We have put together our top job interview red flags to help you be more prepared and distinguish a good situation from a bad one.
Come prepared with questions and also pay attention to the details: body language, how organized the interview process is, and trust your gut. If something is off and you have a bad feeling about moving forward, listen to that instinct and look deeper.
Here are telltale red flags when interviewing:
Lacks Employee Backing
Can the hiring manager tell you anything positive that their current employees say about them? If not, take pause. Take a look at employee reviews and posts on LinkedIn. Just remember if you bring up any negative reviews you come across, do so in a curious, non-judgemental way.
Unclear Job Role
Have you ever applied for a role and seemed to interview for a significantly different one? If the responsibilities you are being interviewed for keep changing, this is a bad sign. Either the company is unorganized, or perhaps they are attempting to not define the role intentionally. Not good.
Annoyed or Detached Vibes
Is the hiring manager aggravated by your questions? This can mean they either don’t value your perspective or they may be hiding something. On the other hand, it could be a red flag if they seem distracted or generally not invested in your conversation. It’s good to pay attention to these signals. They could have another candidate secured already, or they may be on their way out themselves.
Lack of Kindness and Respect
If the interviewer speaks negatively about people at their company, it could mean you’re looking at a place with low psychological safety and high levels of disrespect.
Salary is Too Low
There should be room for discussion around your salary. If the offer is way below your asking rate, then it may mean the company is not doing well financially. Don’t be intimidated to stand your ground and be completely transparent when it comes to your desired salary.
When to walk away from a job interview
In the depths of your job search, it can be difficult to know when to turn down an interview. Decide ahead of time what is non-negotiable for you. For instance, you deserve clear communication, and a welcoming ear for your questions. You deserve to know upfront what the interview process is like and to get a heads up if something changes. As a candidate, you should be treated with respect. If not, then save your time and energy for a better fit.
Deciding on your next career move can be a confusing and stressful time. If Dagen can help in any way, reach out to us at 281-373-1554 or contact one of our recruiters below.