The Biggest Interview Red Flags (From the Perspective of an Interviewer)
Have you ever hired an applicant who you initially thought to be a great fit for the business, only to have them turn out to be less than ideal? This is a surprisingly common
thing many hiring managers report and something that can, unfortunately, waste a great deal of a business’ resources. Therefore, it’s key that this is picked up on earlier in the recruitment process. As an interviewer, certain red flags can alert you to potential problems with an applicant. It’s important to be aware of these warning signs so that you can make the best decision for your company. Below are some of the biggest red flags to look out for in a job interview.
Poor Communication Skills
Something you might notice soon into an interview is poor communication skills. Is the candidate extremely awkward in a social situation, beyond just being nervous? Does the conversation feel extremely forced? Are they struggling to provide longer and more in-depth answers to your questions? All of these are characteristics of someone who lacks sound communication skills and may struggle in a working environment; this may even lead to them becoming out of their depth in more client-facing roles. Include a section of your interview about communication skills, asking the candidate questions designed to give you insight into how they communicate and how successful they are at it.
Unprofessionalism
Lack of professionalism can come in many forms—from arriving late to the interview without good reason and being unprepared, to inappropriate language. Unprofessional behaviour is a key area of consideration when assessing candidates as it speaks volumes about their attitude towards work ethic and personal responsibility in general. Evaluate how punctual candidates are when arriving at interviews, assess whether they have researched what appropriate attire would be suitable for your company culture and observe their body language throughout. While it's understandable to be nervous during an interview it is important to get a rounded view of how professional someone is likely to be if hired for a role within your organisation.
Not Asking Questions
If a candidate doesn’t ask any questions during the interview, it could be a sign that they aren’t
interested in learning more about the role or company. An inquisitive candidate who is genuinely interested will have plenty of questions and won’t hesitate to ask them. Asking thoughtful questions shows that they have taken time to consider what they want from the job and demonstrates initiative and curiosity regarding your business objectives. As an interviewer, be aware if a candidate doesn't ask questions. This could just be nerves and instigating a two-way conversation with open-ended questions should get the conversation flowing.
Poor Preparation
If a candidate isn’t prepared for the interview or doesn’t seem familiar with the position they applied for it could be a sign of disinterest or lack of motivation - or even they are interviewing for multiple positions. Pay attention to how much effort a candidate puts into their research and preparation for the interview, as this will indicate their level of commitment and enthusiasm regarding the role. Look out for signs that they have reviewed job requirements, conducted due diligence on your organisation, and prepared questions related to the position and corporate culture. These can all be strong indicators that a candidate is serious about pursuing the position.
By being aware of these interview red flags, you can make better, more informed decisions about which candidate is best suited for the role and your company in general. While not every warning sign is always a deal-breaker, it’s important to be mindful of any issues that arise during an interview and use them as part of your evaluation process. With proper research and insight into each applicant, you can confidently hire the right person for the job.
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