The pressure that comes along with job hunting can be overwhelming and it will make you desperate to settle for any job. However, before you accept that job offer, these are some interview red flags that you should look out for.
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These Interview red flags will save you from landing a job from hell. Making it to the interview stage of that great job you recently applied to can be a milestone on its own. However, do not get lost in the excitement and fail to pay attention to these interview red flags.
1. The role is not comprehensible during the interview
Have you ever asked about the clarity of your job roles and duties in an interview and you get unclear responses? It is a sign that you need to reduce your elation for that job. It is very vital that the job advert matches the work description during the interview. Some employers use exciting job adverts to attract applicants to roles that do not add up to what they claim to offer. Be alert when key information about the job is withheld or unclear, it shows negligence in a workplace. Having a clear job description is key in helping you settle into a new job as it is easy to plan your way to excellence.
2. High labor turnover in the company
How often has the company advertised that role? Ask the interviewer why your predecessor left, or whether the position is new. This is not to get personal details but to keep you from falling prey to a bad employer. This may not be your primary concern, but saying yes to a job you won’t be holding for a while is a complete waste of your time for no one wants a job hopper. Pay attention to how often they advertise for positions in their company, this will be a clear picture on their employee turnover.
3. Inexperienced and unethical interviewers
It is very uncomfortable when you face an interview panel that is more absorbed in your unprofessional background such as race, age and religion than how competent you are for the role. Such behavior is a clear insight that either the company is discriminative or their staff is incompetent. In other cases, the general outlook of the company will tell you about its environment. Is the place tidy? Are the interviewers well groomed? Is the communication professional? If all your observations are negative, kindly move on to another job.
4. Interview set time not taken seriously
Imagine asking a few hours off from your supervisor just to make it for an interview and it starts two hours late. Well, they might be testing your patience as a required skill but your time should be valued. Time management in an interview is important for both the interviewer and the job applicant. It can only be disregarded when early communication is made or an apology is given. Never put yourself in a desperate place while looking for a job, you may settle for less.
5. Valid Interview questions get vague answers
Your interviewer should be able to clearly answer all the questions you have about the role you have applied to and the company at large. How these questions are answered will give you more insight about the job you are getting into. When you realize that the answers given are not up to the mark then that is an interview red flag.
6. You will give more than you get on the job
The best winning result is always 50-50. However, in situations where your role involves you giving more than you get is a red flag. When your compensation does not motivate you during the interview, think twice about that job. Taking on a job just to survive may limit your output and no one wants an underperforming employee. One of the questions to ask during an interview is, “Are there opportunities for growth and development in this role?” When the hiring manager provides no satisfactory answer then think twice about settling for a job that will trap you into stagnation. A role that sounds like a demotion in both compensation and career progress should be avoided.
7. A melancholic environment
It is impossible not to notice a sad employee. The general mood of the company will communicate to you if their employees are happy or not. Pay attention to how their employees are behaving with each other; Do they look happy and motivated? Is there sluggishness in their behavior? Are they sitting back and leaning on chairs like they have no work? How is their communication with other employees? Are they rude? Do they respond when you greet them? How does the environment make you feel? If the environment does not appeal to you, that is an interview red flag. We should never forget that such little things make up the entire workplace.
8. If you spot any of the above interview red flags, here's how you can turn down the job offer
When you have made your final decision not to take that job having noticed one or more red flags in the interview, here are some of the ways you can politely and respectfully turn down the offer. Remember, the best job is always on the way.
