Over the last decade, I’ve become something of a serial interviewer.
I meet with new businesses frequently and often get to meet multiple people inside the company in one visit.
Most interviews are professional, respectful, and pleasant. But once in a while, you endure an interview process that is BEYOND a doozy and inspires your next blog post.
Here’s a list of red flags to look for during the interview process:
Vague Job Descriptions- a company wants you, but they are less than transparent about what your role will entail. If your interview conversation lacks specifics about the role’s responsibilities, goals, and expectations, you’re probably signing up to be the office golden retriever. No job description- not even a loose draft- is an indicator of disorganization within the company. This lack of clarity and transparency usually leads to employees who are overworked and dissatisfied because the expectations were not clearly agreed upon in advance. A well-defined job description helps you understand what is expected of you, aligns your skills with the role, and indicates that the company values transparency in communication.
A Lowball Offer- A lowball offer in a job interview should raise concerns- and eyebrows- as it signifies misalignment between your qualifications and the compensation being offered. In the best case, it indicates a lack of appreciation for your skills and experience… In the worst case, it displays blatant disrespect and a company culture that prioritizes cost savings over fair compensation. The initial offer is your starting point for negotiations; a lowball offer gives you a weak foundation, making it harder to negotiate better terms down the road. It's like entering a battle with a rubber sword; “winning” would be the equivalent of upgrading to a wooden stick. Accepting an embarrassing offer will absolutely impact your long-term earning potential, making it crucial to evaluate whether this opportunity is in alignment with your long term professional worth and aspirations.
Asking you to do free work in advance- When a company requests that you perform unpaid work before extending a job offer, it raises a significant red flag. This practice not only devalues your skills and time but also suggests a lack of respect for fair employment practices. It may indicate that the company is exploiting prospective employees or is uncertain about its hiring decisions. Additionally, it can set a concerning precedent for your future working relationship, potentially indicating an employer who doesn't prioritize fair compensation or adherence to labor laws. It's essential to approach such situations cautiously and consider whether this aligns with your expectations of professionalism and ethical employment practices.
Always a pleasure!
Cheers,
Kate