Recruiters and hiring managers are on a constant watch for red flags during the hiring process with candidates. They are fiercely protecting the clients and companies they represent and act as gatekeepers to the best of their abilities. Meanwhile, there are a lot of steps throughout the process where candidates can 'drop the ball,' so to speak. Considering how competitive the job market is out there, you can’t afford any missteps.
For Recruiters and Hiring Managers:
When interviewing candidates, the best rule of thumb is to go with your gut. If you feel that there is a red flag with a candidate, then there is a 99% chance you are right. Decide if the red flag is a deal-breaker, or if it is something that can be overlooked or improved upon through open lines of communication.
Whatever you decide, make sure that the stance you take is consistent for every candidate interviewed. For example, a candidate is 15 minutes late to an interview and does not call to give you the heads up. If you decide to disqualify this candidate, then you need to be consistent across the board for any candidate who does the same going forward. Put your red flag standards in place!
For Potential Job Candidates:
If you realize that you are a candidate displaying any of the below signs or behavior, it's imperative that you make adjustments immediately in order to win over any interviewer that comes your way. You don’t want these red flags to hold you back in finding your ideal career!
• Multiple grammatical, spelling, or formatting errors on resume
• Primary objective on resume is geared toward another position
• History of job-hopping
• Delayed completion of application
• Employment or education history on resume that does not match up with what is entered on your application
• Omission of details requested in application
• Delay of more than 24 hours in response to questions or action items
• Lack of true interest or commitment during the interview process
• Wearing unprofessional attire to an interview
• Arriving late to an interview
• Negative comments about current or past employer(s) or co-worker(s)
• History of leaving employers for concerning reasons
• Inappropriate questions asked throughout the process
• Neediness to check in too often on status
• Rudeness of any kind
• Unrealistic salary expectations or requirements
• Unfavorable reference checks
• Delayed offer letter response beyond 24 hours
So—are you a 'red flag' candidate? If yes, you might as well wave the 'white flag' of surrender…that job is probably going to someone else. It only takes one error, one negative comment, one delayed action, etc. to potentially knock yourself out of the running.
Employers overall are looking for who is most qualified, who is the strongest team/cultural fit, who is most enthusiastic about the job, and who will add the most value to their organizations. We want to be pleased, impressed, and even better, blown away by interviewees…we want to have five candidates we cannot decide between for every job offer. Red flags can unfortunately count for a lot when deciding between candidates. Good news is that your actions and attitude are in your control. Make sure to consciously avoid these red flags when interviewing, and go get that job of your dreams!
Are You Ready to Shift?
As either a career-climber and a potential-pairer – you'll be faced with tough questions each day in business. Prepare for them by turning your commute into a classroom with the Shift Happens podcast.
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As Talent Acquisition Manager, Daley focuses on finding the right candidates to fit our clients’ needs. She works with our clients to understand the exact skills and attributes that would fit with the cultural climate and their environment.
