4 Potential Red Flags When Interviewing Candidates

In any interview, there are telltale signs that indicate whether the applicant will fit the position or not. Negative indicators are often called red flags but discerning them is not always easy. Vetting a candidate during the interview process is one of many ways to avoid a bad hire. If you don’t have time to gather any references or recommendations, there are a few things you can focus on to ensure you’re making the right choice. Keep reading to learn about four potential interview red flags and the positive indicators that can weigh against them.

4 Red Flags to Identify when Interviewing Candidates

1. Lack of Preparation

Lack of preparation may be a red flag indicating the prospective candidate is disconnected or not committed. This can look like:

Inability to answer questions
Nonchalance
Improper dress
Distracted
Unfamiliarity with your organization

On the contrary, any one or combination of these factors may not always be a red flag. Nervousness may account for some of it as some people perform poorly in an interview but excel in their role. It’s important to keep an open mind instead of labeling their behavior as unpreparedness.

2. Deception

Deception may be considered one of the biggest red flags by hiring professionals. Cues to look out for include:

Clear lack of knowledge of industry norms or trends
Difficulty providing examples of their skills and accomplishments

Let’s face it, applicants are nervous and are trying their best to make a good first impression. So, what may seem like dishonesty or lack of transparency may actually be their best effort at showcasing themselves in a positive light. Take the time to build rapport and create a comfortable environment before you put them at the bottom of your list.

3. Disgruntlement and disrespect

Disgruntlement and disrespect can manifest in a variety of ways:

Speech (profanity, tone, etc.)
Negative comments about previous bosses and co-workers
Avoiding admittance to failure

All of these could be considered red flags in an interview. The candidate may have everything you’re looking for, but if they’re displaying any of these behaviors during their interview, it’s safe to question if your company would be a good cultural fit.

4. Inconsistent job history

If you determine from the applicant’s CV or resume that their job history is inconsistent, prepare questions that will provide insight and clarity as to why that is the case. Are they a professional looking for refreshing team dynamics, or do they lack vital team player skills? Did the economic environment created by the pandemic negatively impact their resume, or were they unable to gain substantial skills from previous jobs? Job hopping is not always a red flag, but this discussion will give you an idea of their longevity as your potential employee.

What Are Green Flags to Look for in an Interview?

Not every red flag is a deal breaker. An effective interviewer will be able to identify potential in a prospective candidate. Here are some potential green flags to spot during an interview:

Honesty: Transparency from a candidate about mistakes they’ve made at previous jobs highlights areas and skillsets where they can improve and shows their willingness to take accountability.
Similar Personal Values: A candidate sharing similar values with the company illustrates alignment and cultural cohesion. This alignment can equate to a strong sense of belonging and long-term loyalty.
Open to Change: Employees who are adaptable and able to keep up with rapid changes of an evolving business is a great sign to hiring managers. A candidate who is open to change can help foster a resilient work environment and display desires for continued growth.

We Make Hiring Easy

Interviewing candidates can be tough, but Insight Global makes it easy. As one of the largest staffing agencies in the U.S., we find, vet, interview, and hire experts across various industries like IT and healthcare every day. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your hiring process and secure the best-fit hires for your team.