6 red flags in job interviews
Red flags in a job interview that should make you think twice.
Co-founder of the Lowdown, Karmjit Kaur takes you through red flags you should look out for in a job interview.
When you go into a job interview, it’s natural to feel like you’re there to impress them - to get them to pick you.
But in the current job market, employers are fighting to compete for the best candidates. So, it’s worth remembering that you’re interviewing them too. Interviews are for you to figure out whether a workplace is a right fit for you and whether the people interviewing you will make good colleagues. Thinking about our past interviews, we can probably spot the signs that hinted that it wasn’t a great place to work.
Here are 5 major signs that are red flags in job interviews that should make you think twice about taking the job…
They’re unorganised
Turning up late, referring to another candidate's application rather than yours, not following up promptly. These are signs of how the employer operates on a day-to-day basis. And no one wants to work in a disorganised environment where you have little direction or leadership.
2. They ask personal questions
Your personal life shouldn’t come into a job interview. If they ask you anything about your age, marital status, sexuality, race or whether you plan to have children - it’s time to say thanks but no thanks!!
3. There is a long interview process
Some people have told us they’ve gone through up to six interview stages! If you’re going for a senior job, there are usually more stages to the interview process, but it can be a sign that an employer is drawing out the process. Generally, if an employer wants you, they’ll let you know. Taking their time can be a sign of them keeping you in reserve if their preferred candidates say no. And, it’s ok to be second best, but just bear in mind what might be going on if you’re invited to your fourth interview
4. They pressure you to accept the job offer
A good employer will only want you to accept the job if you genuinely want it - and that you’re happy with the terms. They will also understand that you might be applying for more than one role and need some time to consider your options. Rushing you to sign on the dotted line when you’ve barely had time to read your contract could mean they’re not giving you a good deal.
5. They’re not transparent about the important stuff - like pay
They can’t quite tell you what the role will be, they’re shady about the reasons why your predecessor left, or they won’t give you a straight answer on pay. If your potential new employer looks like they’ve got something to hide, well, they probably have. You need to think about what it might be like to work for an employer that isn’t upfront with their staff. How much do they value equality if they’re not transparent on issues like EDI and pay equality in the workplace?
Read our Money Talks piece on how to ask about pay when you’re applying for a new job.
6. There is a lack of diversity in the process
Does anyone on your interview panel(s) look like you, or all look the same? In the past, being interviewed by only white men, then researching online to find that all senior staff are white, with only a few women, has made me worry about the potential lack of diversity in that workplace. If no one looks like me, is it likely my lived experience will be taken into account? If this employer is so used to hiring in its own image, which isn’t me, would hiring me be a box-ticking exercise for them? If you don’t see yourself in your potential new workplace, think about how that might make you feel working there. And read our tips on how to talk about equity, diversity and inclusion to a potential new employer.
