I was flicking TV channels the other evening and came across a show that never fails to make me smile. For those of you who haven’t seen the Channel 4 show ‘First Dates’ before, it’s based in a restaurant where single people go on blind dates under the watchful eye of a maitre d’ and his team. In terms of reality TV, it has a charm to it - it’s clear that some of the couples are getting along great whilst for others, it’s not quite as happy! At the end of the dinner, they are both asked if they would like to meet again which can lead to some surprising and frank responses.
This show always makes me think about how an interview can be a lot like a first date. You and your potential new employer are evaluating each other to see if there is a fit. You are excited about the possibilities - maybe a higher salary or a more prestigious title but you need to be sure this is the right move for you and not just one that works for the hiring manager. The job is not a prize and the interviewer should be working just as hard as you do to impress.
But how do you spot any possible red flags before accepting that job offer?
9 Interview Red Flags To Watch Out For
Red Flag 1 Communication Is Unclear
Communication is key to a good, functional workplace. The way a company handles the beginning stages with a new employee is indicative of the company culture. A company with strong values makes sure that those values are reflected in every aspect of the business. If clarity, promptness, and organisation are important, they’ll make sure you see that side of them throughout the interview process. If you’re confused about what time to show up, where to show up, who you’re meeting with, or what the position is, it could be a warning sign.
Red Flag 2 The Interview Seems Too Short
When you’re interviewing at a company for the first time, there’s a lot to take in. You’re trying to absorb what’s going on while also trying to seem both professional and relatable. Plus trying to get some information about the position. A good interviewer, one who cares about connecting with the candidate and who values being patient and thorough, won’t allow anxiety about the rest of her day to rush you through the interview. They will be a direct reflection of the company culture you're looking for. If you end up getting offered the position, in many cases, you’re going to spend more time with each other during the week than with your own families and friends. It’s in everyone’s interest to spend some time making sure it’s a good fit. If you’re not given that opportunity, that’s a red flag.
Red Flag 3 The Interviewer Gaslights You
Let's talk about gaslighting and how to spot it in an interview setting.
Gaslighting, by definition, is a form of manipulation used to make someone second-guess themselves or what they believe to be true. Seasoned gaslighters can press hard enough to make you doubt all of your instincts. So, what does gaslighting look like in an interview setting? It can be an interviewer downplaying your experience and your achievements. Gaslighting can occur when talking about salary or job titles. For example, let's say you are an experienced leader with 5 years in a Director role. During your interview, the hiring manager might say something like, "I see you in a more junior role. Your experience is with a different kind of company and doesn't really translate to this post.” All of a sudden, the interviewer has rewritten your work history and your hard-won experience. This is what gaslighting can look like in an interview. Remember, nobody knows more about your career and your experience than you. Do not let gaslighting define you.
Red Flag 4 The Interviewer Asks You Personal, Illegal, Or Irrelevant Questions
There's a reason that interview questions around marital status, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation are actually illegal questions at the interview. In short, they have nothing to do with the job at hand.
Sometimes, interviewers use the cloak of creating rapport to gather details about you, your socioeconomic status, or your family life. Questions like "What did you do this weekend?" or "How was it commuting to the office today?" can be probing questions to find out whether you have children, a partner, or whether you have a car. Keep rapport light. Personal details are just that, personal!
Red Flag 5 The Interviewer Evades Your Questions
So, you came to the interview prepared with your own questions to ask - congratulations on doing your homework. Remember, the interview is also your space to ask questions and to learn. If the interviewer seems to be purposefully evading questions, this might be a red flag. Sometimes, when you're initially interviewing with a recruiter they may not have answers to detailed questions and that can be okay. However, if you are interviewing with your future manager and they can't (or won't) answer questions about work culture, management style, or immediate goals, this might be a big red flag. The interview is for you. It's not a contest. There needs to be a mutual buy-in for you and the organisation. If you are not learning the things you need to learn to make an informed decision for yourself and your career, then it might not be the best fit.
Red Flag 6 The Interview Process Is Unnecessarily Long
When you're having non-stop group interviews piled on top of other interviews, it can be a sign that the organisation is unsure about what they are looking for and if they really need this role. It can also be a sign that they have another candidate they are seriously considering. At a certain point, when the interview process is months long and you're having to put other things on hold, it's disrespectful to you. To ensure this doesn't happen ask upfront for clarification on what the interview process and timeline will be like.
Red Flag 7 No One You're Interviewing With Has Been At The Company Very Long
Is everyone you're interviewing with a new employee? Unless the company just launched or they are building a new department, this can be a sign of poor retention and a possible toxic work culture.
Red Flag 8 They Refer to The Team As a "Family" Too Much
When your potential employer talks about how all their colleagues and coworkers are one big family, that's a red flag. Your work environment is not your home and your boss is not your partner and this can show a lack of boundaries by the company.
In a healthy workplace, they respect that you will carve out time for your real family and friends and life outside of work.
Red Flag 9 They Make You a Low Ball Offer when it comes to the salary
It's natural for companies to make an offer that leaves room for negotiation but when it's so low that it shocks you—especially when you've communicated your salary expectations in advance it could be another red flag. Plus, it's a sign that asking for a pay rise may be difficult at best in the future.
Bonus tip - Trust your instincts
When something doesn’t feel quite right, you kind of know. Whilst it can be tough to trust your gut instinct in an interview setting (and especially when you really need a new job) think about what has worked for you in the past and your ‘must haves’ and ‘will not allows’ when it comes to a new role. Being clear on this will help you to decide if this is the role for you.
Never forget that a job is more than its description alone. Prepare yourself to see red flags alongside the green lights. Pay attention—and trust your instincts.
Job searching can be an exhausting and time-consuming process. Completing lengthy applications, waiting for responses, getting through the first stage of the interview, psychometric tests the list goes on. You’ve listened to the podcasts, watched the videos, tried the free downloads, and even got your CV redone and nothing seems to be working. The fact that you know you have the right skills for the next role is frustrating and demoralising. You can book a one-off career power hour to reset your job search - find the booking link here
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