When interviewing candidates, it’s easy to pick up on obvious signs that this person isn’t your next employee. However, there are also more subtle red flags that typically signal a deeper issue. During your next hiring process, keep an eye out for these four candidate red flags.
Showing Up Late To An Interview
If someone shows up late to an interview, it means one of two things. Either they always run late, or they are unprepared. A team member who is chronically late can affect the productivity of the whole department. However, we say lack of preparedness is even worse. As long as you provide the correct information such as phone number, zoom link, or physical address, the candidate should be on time. Of course, there are always extenuating circumstances. But as a general rule, showing up late to an interview is a huge red flag.
Not Knowing Anything About Your Company
Speaking of being unprepared, there are zero excuses for knowing nothing about your company in today’s modern world. With unlimited access to job descriptions, websites, social media, news stories, and even employee profiles on LinkedIn, your candidate has all your company information at their fingertips. A lack of understanding of your business shows that the candidate is not invested in your position. They are simply looking for a job, any job.
Having A Victim Mentality
If a candidate repeatedly throws previous companies, managers, or peers under the bus, they will likely inhabit a “victim mentality.” These candidates rarely take accountability for issues or mistakes, even though both are common in the workplace. When your first meeting with a candidate is riddled with negativity, lack of ownership, and deflection, just imagine what they would be like as an employee. You can easily discover this trait by asking behavioral interview questions. Do not ignore this glaring red flag.
Not Asking Questions
Finally, if a candidate fails to ask questions throughout or at the end of an interview: red flag. Curiosity demonstrates an investment in the position and your company as a whole. There’s no way you covered every aspect of the job in a short interview slot. So, a candidate that probes deeper is someone who truly wants to put themselves in that role and on your team.
These candidate red flags can help you avoid a painful and costly hire. However, have you considered what red flags your candidate is picking up on? Check out our article on job search red flags here.
