It's Not You, It's Them: 5 Interview Red Flags to Watch Out For

Interview jitters are not uncommon, but interviewing a potential employer is nearly an afterthought when going for that job you want and need. It’s easy for your nerves to get the best of you when you’re focused on looking like the perfect fit, but are they the perfect fit for you?

We’ve all experienced an interview or two that have left a bad taste in our mouth. It’s not enough to just come prepared with your resume and a shining personality anymore. Our lives depend on these jobs, but at what cost down the line?  Here are 5 red flags you should have on your radar when you conduct that reverse interview:

Lack of Transparency and Clarity

“When I chose my international business degree program there was one major retailer I had in mind. As a seasoned manager in the retail industry, it seemed like a logical fit. When I received a request for an interview, I was elated! Unfortunately, it was a bait and switch. I was crushed on so many levels. I had admired this multinational company for so long and this tactic made me question the integrity of the company.” - Heather Romanoff, Business & Sales Operations Manager

A start to a good interview is when a recruiter shares a more in-depth “about us” on the company, the responsibilities and duties of the role in which you’re applying for, and any other top of mind need-to-knows from the very beginning providing you an overview of a day in the life as an employee. 

When the interviewer is talking in circles about expectations in response to your basic questions, something might be up, potentially setting you and the company up for disappointment if you’re unable to measure up to the expectations they don’t make clear. When this happens, get specific with your questions to get a better understanding of what’s really happening on the inside.

Poor Connection 

The interview I'm thinking of was incredibly boastful and the interviewer didn't dare allow me to engage in the conversation by answering or asking questions. Instead, he continued on about the company's rapport, supposed culture, how happy its employees were, and his own accolade-earning experience. By the end of it I felt as though I was being sold a cheap, poorly made product! Needless to say, that was the worst interview experience I have had. - Kelly Farnow, Chief of Staff

An interview is your time to shine. But the interviewer hasn’t taken the time to get to know you? Almost like a date, making a connection is important when deciding to take a relationship to the next level. If you’re not given the opportunity to showcase why you and your talents are best fit for the role and the company’s culture, it may be a sign they don’t respect diversity of thought or the idea of collaboration. Their way or the highway…take the highway!

Late & Disorganized 

The interviewer, who was a C-Suite executive, joined the interview late, on a call with their bank, and then at the end of the interview, which I don't feel as though they were fully present, they became passive-aggressive in ways and then oddly ended the interview with no solid follow up. - Matthew Sepe, Enterprise Business Support

You’ve rushed and rehearsed to make sure you’re early and on your A-game ready to kill your interview. Now you wait. And wait…more waiting. The interviewer finally shows. Yay! but wtf!? No heads up or an apology, just business as usual. We’ve all been late at some point, mistakes happen, but excessive tardiness with little to no follow-through can be a tell-tale sign of disrespect and poor time management internally. 

Inappropriate Questions & Microaggressions

I was just coming back into full-time work after I had my son and applied for a clerks position with my local county social service office. The pay was maybe $23,000 a year. The director and supervisor spent more time grilling me about my access to childcare than actually talking to me about the job and getting to know me. - Kari Vasquez, Youth Services Administrator

We sometimes may excuse weird comments because we badly want the salary, title, or connections that come with a certain job, but inappropriate questions aren't behavior to be swept under the rug. Microaggressions are a major characteristic of an unprofessional and toxic work environment.

If a hiring manager is asking or saying inappropriate things related to your race, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background or personal life…RUN!

Interview Process is Unnecessarily Long

This doesn't compare to some of the stories I've read here, but recently I was turned down for a job after three lengthy interviews, the worst part was they provided no rationale for why I was passed over. - Jessica Ann, Creative Technologist

A great employer isn’t in business to waste your time. Instead, they value your efforts before and after the interview, so if you’re spending your valuable time preparing for countless interviews and evaluations just to not get the job with no rhyme or reason at all, they may be using you for your ideas and aren’t in the position to hire at the moment. Nonetheless, if they aren’t paying you for your thoughts and contributions, find someplace else that will value all you bring to the table.

Interviews are hard work and a long process for everyone involved, but they should be a great experience that leaves you with useful tips and life learnings that you can run with whether or not you bag the job. Companies and candidates with a team-playing mindset are keys to a successful working relationship. For career coaching and real world resources to help you land your next opportunity, join Rise to be part of a community that cares about you and everything you’re about.