What are the biggest interview red flags to avoid?

A lack of interest and or research into the company and it's work is a serious red flag. It's hard to see past the feeling that someone just wants any job rather than the one they're interviewing for when they don't know what you do or who you are.

Talking poor about your previous company. A lot of people get asked when are you looking? It’s almost always better to talk about the pull towards the company you are interviewing with rather than the push from the last organization that you left.

Candidates who aren't responsive, punctual and don't prepare adequately for interviews are doing themselves a disservice. Failing to research the organization, review the position description, and provide personal/tangible examples during interviews are surefire ways to hamper your performance. Don't let a lack of preparation hinder your chances of getting the job you want!

If a job seeker shows up late or unprepared, their priorities are pretty clear. (Side note before jumping to conclusions. Perhaps there truly was an emergency situation, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt). Arriving late without a valid reason can indicate a lack of respect for the interviewer's time and a lack of punctuality, both of which can negatively impact your chances. Being unprepared, such as not knowing basic information about the company or role, can signal a lack of genuine interest and enthusiasm for the job.

An employer will be looking out for the following at interview: Vague or rehearsed responses may indicate a lack of genuine experience. Inconsistencies in a candidate's narrative raise concerns about honesty and attention to detail. Disinterest or lack of preparation is a warning sign, reflecting on the candidate's commitment. Poor communication skills, especially the inability to articulate thoughts clearly, can impact team collaboration. Additionally, how candidates handle challenging questions, exhibiting defensiveness or evasion, reveals their adaptability and response to criticism.

Cardinal Rule #1 is "Don't bad mouth your current of previous employer!" As a hiring manager for over 20 years, I can tell you that 99% of the time if you do this ?????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ?????? ????????????????... it's just human nature! They are also going to look on you as a person who is critical of management, and no one wants to bring a person on board with an attitude. It may be a fact that your former boss or upper management is in fact, very bad... still you do NOT say it. Instead, pivot the dialogue to something to the effect of, "I'm grateful that I was able to contribute, and I was part of many victories... ultimately I felt I was being called to move on..."

One of the biggest red flags for me, as an interviewer, is when a candidate only has negative things to say about their previous employer. Even if it was the worst work environment, I am interested in your skills and experience not how you felt about your previous employer. I would prefer to learn more about the candidate and how they can contribute to the organization. What they achieved in their previous roles and how it translate the position they are interviewing for.

Always be diplomatic in your approach and express difficult situations with decorum. Use language that is factual without interjecting judgement, negative interpretation or emotions. This will demonstrate resilience rather than animosity.

In my recruiting experience, a significant red flag during interviews is when candidates excessively badmouth their previous employers. I vividly remember an interviewee who spent a considerable amount of time criticizing their former company and colleagues. This raised concerns about professionalism and the ability to handle workplace challenges constructively. Such behavior not only reflects negatively on the candidate but also suggests a potential lack of discretion and a tendency to dwell on negativity. Interviewees should focus on discussing their strengths and experiences rather than dwelling on grievances, ensuring a more positive impression during the interview process.

Avoid badmouthing past employers in interviews. It comes off as unprofessional and raises concerns about your ability to handle conflict and work in a team. Focus on the positives and lessons learned from past experiences, maintaining a diplomatic approach when discussing reasons for leaving a job

Honesty if the best policy is a term used often, but for good reason. When you are hired for a position it is based on your past experience and background. In many cases you are hired based on your word that you can achieve the things you share with a potential employer. If you lie or exaggerate about your experience it can have a negative effect on your career and the company that trusted you when they hired you. Understand that you may have areas of opportunity to improve on, but knowing that and sharing that in a honest way may have a more positive result than you think. If you are not qualified for the opportunity based on your truthful information, than it probably wasn't the opportunity for you and others will come along.

Stay honest and realistic about your skills and accomplishments. Highlight strengths, admit weaknesses, and provide evidence to support claims. Avoid taking credit for things you haven't done.

All the interviews I’ve done over the past two years have been done via video conference. Easily over half of the candidates were lying, indirectly answering questions, or clearly using third party ‘sources’ like ChapGPT, searching for the answer, or someone ‘in their ear’. You may think you are being clever by doing this, but if am confident you are, you will not get the position. The fact that you cannot give be a straight answer and aren’t willing to admit you don’t know something is an sign you will not work out to begin with. If you instead are willing to instantly admit you don’t know something, you’ve already gone up a step. It shows me you are honest and are willing to admit when you are wrong and collaboration is a strong point.

Lembre-se que a mentira possui perna curta. Tudo o que você mencionar a respeito sobre si será testado. N?o seja imprudente ao chegar ao ponto de acabar com a sua credibilidade como profissional.

This might not always be the biggest red flag, but it is definitely something I remember about a candidate. Showing little to no interest during a call makes it seem like you do not want to be there. The interviewer may pick a candidate that is less qualified than you just because of that. They want to see someone that is committed. While you do not have to be over the top for each question, doing something to show the interviewer you are interested will go a long way.

Some professionals I’ve coached will say they are interviewing for roles they’re not that interested in just for the practice. This is not advisable as interviewers can tell your interest level. Showing enthusiasm will be difficult if you have not prepared to win as you will come across as just going through the motions. I believe taking this approach is also unethical and a waste of the employer’s time and resources and you are not leaving a good impression of yourself. Remember, put your best forward and prepare to win. Your paths may intersect with the interviewer again.

Research the company, industry, and role beforehand, ask relevant questions, and express appreciation for the opportunity to avoid coming across as bored or indifferent.

To avoid this, speak clearly and respectfully, pay attention to non-verbal cues, and follow basic etiquette. Maintain professionalism in dress, greetings, and expressions of gratitude. A timely thank-you email further reinforces a positive image.

I once had an incredible candidate blow their chances of getting the job on the very first question from my VP. The candidate was asked how they first got into their current line of work and their response was "Well, I got sick of the other guy not doing it so I went over his head and started getting it done myself." My VP was not impressed with the framing of this answer and it immediately cost the candidate the job on the final interview. How you frame an answer is very important, had the candidate said something along the lines of "it was my coworkers responsibility but due to their workload it was a long process so I saw a learning opportunity and began to assist with the process" it probably would have landed much better.

While not technically a red flag per se, avoid long answers, except where a long answer is required. Instead, get straight to the point and be sure to directly answer the original question. I understand you’re likely nervous, but a long answer often will feel like you are avoiding the question, which is a red flag. Be thoughtful of the time, because if the recruiter or hiring manager is unable to ask all their questions due to your long response times, chances are you are already on the chopping block.

Lack of preparation: Candidate hasn't researched the company or the role or the industry. Lack of passion: showing little or no excitement about the role which means lack of commitment and motivation. Poor Body Language: Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting shows discomfort or lack of confidence. Lack of Curiosity: not asking thoughtful questions about the role, company or team. Unprofessional behavior: Arriving late, being disrespectful.

Be humble and don't get an ego. You may have gotten the interview, but that does not mean you've gotten the job. We’ve decided to offer you the chance to prove yourself and put a face to your resume. We have decided to offer you the chance to prove that you are the best fit for us, but when you start acting all high and mighty, we will look to others. To be clear, stating facts about your knowledge is not what I'm referring to here. It's perfectly fine to say “I completed the course with a 97% score.” In contrast, it's not okay to say “I aced my test! All the others in the course made less than 90%”.

Have a question or two to ask them. It shows you’re engaged and interested. I got given this piece of advice years ago and it’s a good one! That said, don’t worry if they cover all your questions.