Getting invited for an interview is exciting! You have put in the time and effort in the application process, resume crafting, and now it is your time to shine. However, while we want you to go into every job opportunity with a positive attitude, not all interviews are created equal. There are some red flags you should pay attention to during the process to ensure you make the right decision before signing an offer.
No questions allowed
Interviews are a two-way street, and you should always be prepared with your own questions prior to your meeting. Interviewers should be open to your insightful questions and, more importantly, encourage you to ask them. As a potential employer, they should want to ensure you have all the information you need about the position, the organization, and the expectations of the role. Therefore, if you find that they are annoyed or defensive about the questions you have, this is a red flag to be cautious of.
The last thing you want is to work for a business or organization that doesn’t value your thoughts or concerns. In not asking questions, you won’t be able to make an informed decision to ensure you are a good fit for the position.
They are disrespectful
Just as you should never speak poorly about your previous manager, boss, or coworkers, the same should be said for those who are conducting the interview. If the potential employer speaks negatively about the person in the role previously, this is an indication of how they may treat you. Speaking negatively about previous employers shows disrespect and is something you likely want to avoid when choosing a new role.
It is also a good idea to pay close attention to how the interviewer interacts with others, and the dynamic between team members. If you are having a panel interview, observe how they speak to one another, how they conduct themselves, and how they treat one another. Does their behavior align with how you want to be treated? If not, the role might not be for you.
Of course, if you are asked any question that makes you feel uncomfortable or disrespected, this is a definite concern. Any comments that are inappropriate speak volumes about the work environment and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. Personal questions about the following should not be asked:
- Age
- Gender or sexual orientation
- Marital, or family status
- Race, religion, or ethnicity
Lack of clarity
One of the main purposes of a job interview is to gain further insight into what the expectations of the role include, and what your main responsibilities will be. If you are asking insightful questions but are being met with vague or unsure answers, be cautious. This might be a red flag.
To ensure you are asking the appropriate questions consider the following during the interview:
- What do my responsibilities include?
- What are the skills that will make me successful in the role?
- How many people will I be working with daily?
If you ask these types of questions, and the interviewer can’t provide you with specifics about the role, this might mean that they are unsure about what your position entails. It is difficult to understand the scope of the job without clear information. If you feel that you still need more information, you may want to consider something else.
In most cases, you will know quickly if the position you are interested in is a good fit. If you feel like you are seeing more red flags than green ones, it might be worthwhile to consider other options.
If you have questions regarding the interview process, we would like the opportunity to help. Give our team a call, and let’s get started!