Just as you are being evaluated during a job interview, you can also pause and assess your interviewer. Contain your excitement and watch out for warning signs that may tell you the company you are applying at might not just be the one.

The recruiter or hiring manager decides if you are suitable for the role, but keep in mind that the process is not one-sided as you will also decide if you want to accept their offer. Keep reading to know five potential red flags during a job interview.

1. Disorganised scheduling process

The job application process is not exactly a smooth and easy process, and thus a few problems here and there are inevitable. For example, one trouble you could run into is when the recruiter or hiring manager reschedules your job interview. Emergencies happen without warning, so you cannot really blame this on their part.

However, if rescheduling issues persist, this may suggest that the company just expects you to adjust your schedule for them and does not value your own time. Moreover, if your interview is already rescheduled, it would be nice if the company arranges a backup interviewer, right? With this, you could see that the company shows commitment and respect towards applicants.

2. Messy interview day

You have spent days preparing for this big day. You researched the company and its mission and vision. You studied the job description. You rehearsed common answers. In brief, you come to your interview prepared… and then your interviewer isn’t. How would that make you feel?

To illustrate, your interviewer might have come in late, or seemed that they have not reviewed your resume. In addition, when you ask about the challenges or additional roles and responsibilities that come with the position you are applying for, your interviewer could not clearly explain them to you. More important questions such as whom you would report to what the workplace environment is like also get vague responses. If the big interview day just turns into a big mess, this may give you an idea of how disorderly the company is.

3. Inappropriate behavior

A workplace must have zero tolerance for racism, sexism, ageism, harassment, discrimination, and so on. So, if your interviewer cracks an offensive joke or you notice some hostility from them, it would be wise if you reconsider applying for their company.

However, there are also subtle yet rude behaviors you may want to pay extra attention to. For example, your interviewer keeps interrupting you or chats too much and appears to have forgotten to ask you questions. Another example is if they badmouth former colleagues. Perhaps, they would tell you that the previous employee made several mistakes or the people who left the company are missing out on a lot of opportunities. This kind of attitude is arrogant and antagonistic; you can only imagine how it would be if you were to leave the company.

4. No room for negotiation

In this day and age, you may want to think about working at a company that is flexible around salary negotiations, compensation, or work arrangements. This implies that they can invest in people and collaborate with employees. Therefore, if a company refuses to negotiate, especially with someone who has years of expertise, it can be considered a red flag. Remember that negotiating should not be seen as something negative; in fact, it can even be viewed as a skill. 

5. Interviewer’s lack of interest

Observe the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s body language, eye contact, and overall decorum during the interview to see whether they are truly interested or paying attention. If they multitask, answer calls, check their phones, etc. in the middle of your interview, this may signal that they lack interest and commitment. This may also reflect distractibility and affect how they evaluate your answers in the interview.

Conclusion

You put energy into the job application process and it is only right that you are valued and treated with respect. The warning signs are there for a reason, so take time and reflect if you really want to work at a company where your interview experience did not go well.

You deserve a job that will make you happy and help you gain progress in your career. Go and seek more opportunities; you are meant for the greatest things. Want the most bargaining powers for your future employer? Make sure they value your skills. Show them what you can do here!