Job Interview Red Flags You Should Avoid
Whether you're preparing for your first job interview or are a job market veteran, preparation is key to acing any job interview. There are certain things that companies and hiring managers are certainly looking for and other behaviors that they'll run a mile from. Let's review job interview mistakes so that you can avoid making them.
What Is A Job Interview Red Flag?
In general, a job interview red flag is anything about your application, resumé, or personality that may cause the person hiring you to either disregard your application entirely, or hire a different candidate for the task. Job interview red flags can include a lack of clear communication on your part, misrepresentation of work experience or history, inconsistencies, or other indicators that you may be a poor fit for the company.
What Are The Red Flags?
Let's go over these red flags so you can avoid them in your next job interview.
Speaking Negatively About Your Previous Employer
When interviewing for a new job, it's critical that you maintain a positive attitude about your previous employer—even if you left your old job on bad terms. Trash-talking your previous employer won't make you look good to any future employer.
Don't Be Unenthusiastic
Only apply for jobs that you're truly enthusiastic about. A lack of enthusiasm displayed in your job interview will make any employer think that you're not going to give 100% of your effort and attention to your job while you're at work. Employers aren't going to be satisfied with that.
Blaming Others For Your Mistakes
If you left or were let go from your old job, it's important to reflect on whether or not your behavior played any role in your dismissal. If so, own that behavior and illustrate how you've changed. Do not blame others. It's immature and will make your interviewer question your ability to work well with others.
StratfordProductions, Adobe Stock
Don't Be Rude Or Disrespectful
This one probably goes without saying, but any rude behavior towards your interviewer or staff at your prospective employer will likely immediately result in your application being discarded. Go into your job interview in a good mood and be kind and courteous toward the interviewer.
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS, Adobe Stock
Be Honest About What You Don't Know
Sometimes, your interviewer will ask questions designed to test your knowledge, or gauge how you'd react to a specific situation. If you don't know the answer to a question, just say so. Being honest is always the best policy.
Don't Be Overconfident
While you should definitely illustrate that you know your stuff, overconfidence won't help you in your job interview. Interviewers are human resource professionals who've been trained to suss out overconfidence a mile away.
Not Having Your Ducks In A Row
You should be extremely well prepared for your interview. In fact, it should be something you've been preparing for for at least a week or more prior. Ensure your resumé is in good working order and that you've done your research beforehand. If you don't have your ducks in a row, you'll look unprepared, which isn't a good look at all.
Be As Clear As Possible When Asked Questions
Your interviewer will likely ask you a series of questions about your qualifications, your fit for the role, your job history, and so on. It's important that you be as clear as possible with your answers. Providing vague or incomplete answers shows the interviewer that you're not well-prepared for the interview.
Not Paying Attention To Detail
Go over your resumé and cover letter with a fine tooth comb and ensure that all the details are correct. Any discrepancies may be brought up in your interview and you'll want to have an answer for any gaps in your resumé or qualification discrepancies.
Not Dressing Appropriately
No matter what type of job you're interviewing for, it's important that you dress smartly. Even if it's a "suit and tie" position, you should at least show up to your interview wearing a nice dress shirt and dress pants. Business-casual at minimum.
Even If Your Job Will Be Remote, Still Dress Smartly
Once you've got the job, you may be able to work in a T-shirt and pajamas, but you're not there yet. Even if your job is a work-from-home remote position, you should still dress smartly for the interview. Once you've been at your job awhile, you can probably switch to a more casual attire.
Arriving On Time For Your Interview
Let's be clear—on time for your job interview is the same thing as being late. You'll want to arrive about 15 to 30 minutes early to give yourself time to review any documentation, settle your nerves, or fill out any pre-interview documents that may be required.
Not Communicating Effectively If There's An Issue With Your Scheduled Interview
If there's an issue with your scheduled interview date or time, it is your responsibility to effectively communicate that to your prospective employer. Whether your kids are sick, or there's heavy traffic and you're going to be late or need to reschedule, you must either call or email the company. A no-show will definitely get your application canned.
Not Asking Questions About The Role
Even if you've done thorough research about the role you're applying for, you should still ask any questions you may have. Not asking questions because you think you already have the answers may display a lack of enthusiasm.
A General Lack Of Communication Skills
Even if your job won't require communicating with clients or your co-workers very much, displaying competency in oral or written communication is critical. You should communicate effectively with your interviewer to the very best of your ability. Try to be as articulate as possible and avoid rambling.
Don't Interrupt The Interviewer
Even if you're nervous about the question the interviewer is asking (or you think they might be asking), it's important that you don't interrupt the interviewer when they're speaking. Not only is it rude, it displays poor listening skills.
Don't Use Bad Language
While the work environment within the job you're interviewing for may not be one where bad language is frowned upon, using bad language during your job interview is a no-no. It displays a lack of professionalism and won't be well-received.
Try Not To Joke Around Too Much
While there's no problem with a good joke or two, your job interview is not really the time for joking around. Again, you're interviewing for a professional position—remain professional.
Not Maintaining Eye Contact
Nerves are totally fine and can sometimes be healthy for you to have during a job interview. You should try and maintain as much eye contact with your interviewer as possible. It displays an attentiveness and confidence that interviewers are searching for.
Not Researching The Company Thoroughly
It's important that you thoroughly research the company whose job you're applying for. This will help you be better prepared for the interview and ensure you have an understanding of the work culture. This may help you understand whether you and the job are a good fit for one another.
Be Honest, Always
Even if being honest about something in your past might mean you display a lack of suitability for the job, it's better that you're honest about your qualifications or past, that way, your prospective employer can decide to work on your weaknesses with you. They'd rather know about them at the beginning, rather than six months down the line.
Don't Dodge Any Questions About Your Weaknesses
Perceived weaknesses on your part might not be weaknesses to your prospective employer. Dodging questions about your weaknesses won't help you become a better employee, nor handle a job interview any better.
Not Embracing Company Policy
Company policies may come up in the course of your job interview. You should try and research any company policies beforehand, but it's your job to embrace and adapt to company policies, even if they're not something you personally agree with.
WavebreakMediaMicro, Adobe Stock
Not Discussing Your Career Goals
Your job interviewer may discuss your career goals overall. It's important that you assess what those are and are introspective about what your career goals are. Not having career goals may display a lack of motivation that won't bode well for your career longevity.
Don't Be Overly Focused On Your Salary Or Benefits
While a salaried position with company benefits is excellent, it isn't the be-all/end-all of working. Being overly focused on these aspects of a position might indicate to your interviewer that you're only in it for the money. Which is neither a positive character trait, or something that's desirable in an employee.
If You've Changed Jobs A Lot, Explain Why Clearly
While changing jobs many times over a short period of time can indicate a "you problem", if the reasons for your job changes had little to do with you, then you should definitely be able to clearly explain why you had to change jobs so many times.
Don't Be So Interested In The Company's Perks
Whether you'll be getting a company car, or a work laptop, or other equipment, try not to fixate on these perks during the course of your interview. They're great, but they shouldn't be the focus of your job interview.
Be Direct About Why You Want The Job
Any company that's looking to hire you will want to know why you want the job. Think about this question before your interview and come up with a good answer that's truthful. Try and discuss what about the company and role appeals to you (beyond the financial aspects we've covered above).
Do Not Compromise Confidentiality
Even if you're not under any kind of contractual obligation to maintain confidentiality from a previous employer, casually mentioning confidential information about your previous employers or co-workers can be a huge red flag for interviewers. Take care with your answers, so as not to reveal anything confidential.
A Lack Of Enthusiasm For Company Direction Or Goals
Most employers are looking for longevity out of their employees. When applying for a job (any job), ask yourself if you could see yourself being at the company for an extended period. If not, perhaps try to find a job that gives you that feeling. Applicants that display a lack of enthusiasm about the company's direction or goals for the future may turn the employer off of their application.
Not Organizing Your Resumé
Your resumé should be neat, tidy, and organized. It should be properly formatted and easy to read over at a glance. If this is your first time writing a resumé, or you think you may struggle to put a good one together, definitely ask for help from someone. This could be your local job center, or a family member or friend.
Don't Disengage With The Interviewer
Even if you have other things to do that day, or you feel as though the interview is dragging on longer than expected, it's important that you stay engaged. Don't start slouching in the chair, zoning out, fidgeting, or displaying other cues that tell the interviewer that you're not engaged at all.
Being Excessively Nervous
Nerves are a normal part of any job interview. It's only natural. However, you should be able to calm your nerves after a few minutes and relax into the interview. If you can't, it may indicate to the interviewer that you're not confident in your ability to do the job. Practice job interviews at home with your family or friends to get used to being under the microscope.
Don't Worry About Job Security Initially
While we all love being gainfully employed in a long-term position, it's important that your job interview doesn't overly-fixate on your job security. You don't have the job yet, let alone any guarantee of security. Typically, jobs will give you a three-month probationary period. If this is the case, wait until your probation period is over before you start discussing job security.
Be Confident And Clear About Your Past Successes
Job interviewers will also focus on your successes, as well as anything that went wrong—ensure you can speak about these successes comfortably. Be confident about them and why they were successful and what you did that made them successful. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance—walk it carefully.
Not Being Prepared To Ask Follow-Up Questions
Follow-up questions are expected in a job interview. Unless you genuinely feel like all bases have been covered, it's a good idea to make a mental note of your follow-up questions.
Not Being Authentic
While doing rehearsals for your job interview can be beneficial, you don't want to appear robotic. Leave a lot of room for your authenticity and personality to shine through. It may be one of the best things that the company liked about you in the initial phases of hiring, so don't put it away for the interview. Be yourself.
Nail Your Job Interview, Be In The 2%
If you avoid these job interview red flags, you'll hopefully nail the interview and join just 2% of successful applicants to job interviews across the country. Data indicates that employers are becoming much more selective with their chosen employees, with only 20% of applicants receiving invitations for primary or secondary interviews.
Have you recently had a job interview where you made an error? Tell us the story in the comments! Do you have any more red flags that others should avoid? Let us know.
