Competent interviewers do several things during an interview.

First, they try to make you feel comfortable and relaxed so you’ll enjoy the experience.

Second, they listen carefully to what you say to determine whether you have the skills and experience to do the job.

And third, they’re constantly on the lookout for red flags—warning signs that something may be amiss or at least needs further questioning.

So, what are some of the red flags that interviewers look for? During my career, I’ve interviewed over 25,000 people. Here is a list of 20 warning signs that often make interviewers think twice. I’ve also included what each red flag might indicate about a candidate:

1. Speaking negatively about former employers (Always blames others for problems)
2. Long, rambling answers (Disorganized thinking; unpreparedness)
3. Displaying little or no enthusiasm for the company or the job (Poor attitude; applying for wrong reasons)
4. A pattern of leaving jobs due to disagreements with bosses (Difficult to work with)
5. Ambiguity about why they left a particular job, especially when they weren’t moving to another one (Hiding something)
6. Consistently using buzzwords without backing them up with actual examples (Superficial knowledge)
7. Starting to answer questions before the interviewer has finished asking (Poor listening skills)
8. Not asking questions at the conclusion of the interview (Lack of curiosity or engagement)
9. Not knowing the names and positions of people interviewing them (Unpreparedness)
10. Poor eye contact (Lack of confidence or poor interpersonal skills)
11. Unreasonably high levels of self-confidence (Arrogance)
12. Particularly brief (or particularly long) answers to interview questions (Hiding something or inability to communicate concisely)
13. Unreasonable demands around compensation, benefits, perks, and work schedule (Focused on self only)
14. Lack of specific work examples to back up answers (May not have the claimed skills)
15. Using inappropriate language during the interview (Poor judgment; lack of professionalism)
16. Inconsistent work history, such as frequent job changes, questionable career moves, and unexplained gaps in employment (Spotty track record)
17. Unsuitable attire (Lack of self-awareness or professionalism)
18. Not answering the question that was asked (Gets lost on tangents; poor listening skills)
19. Checking phone or watch repeatedly during the interview (Lack of respect; poor time management)
20. Arriving late without a valid explanation or advance notice (Poor planning; lack of respect for others’ time)

 I’ve seen how these red flags can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of landing a job. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential pitfalls and work on addressing them before your next interview.

Remember, interviewers are not just evaluating your skills and experience—they’re also assessing your character, professionalism, and potential fit within their organization. By being mindful of these red flags, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of success.

Do you have any experiences with these red flags as an interviewer or interviewee?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Just send a reply email.