10 Red Flags to Watch Out for in a Job Interview

A job interview can cause people a lot of stress. Especially, when they’re counting on getting a job to be able to pay their bills and feed their families. However, there are some clear signs that an environment might not be the most hospitable for employees. Here are 10 red flags to look out for that may prove the job is less than desirable.

1. Rescheduling a Job Interview

Although things don’t always go according to plan, if a prospective employer is constantly trying to reschedule a job interview, or appears to be disorganized, it may be a sign that the work environment is stressful or chaotic. Or worse, the company doesn’t value its employees. “They don’t prioritize the people or the placement. They are not cognizant of the war for talent. If things are scattered, and they’re all over the place or they’re disorganized, it’s absolutely a red flag.” Explains leadership strategist and executive coach, Caroline Stokes. “If the recruiter or the hiring manager ghosts you for a considerable period of time — and by a considerable period of time, I’m talking a week, that’s a red flag,” Stokes said. It shows a lack of transparency and an inability to communicate properly.

Read More: Oprah Grilled Years After Her Interview With Two Young Girls Goes Viral

2. Misaligned Values

When people love their jobs, it’s easy to be happy and motivated to go to work. In contrast, when a company’s values and expectations don’t align with those of its employees, it creates an unenjoyable work environment. In turn, this increases the odds of burnout or mental distress. As such, it’s important to be clear on your values before going in for the job interview. As well as to address the subject with prospective employers. For example, if you’re someone who prioritizes time uninterrupted, with your loved ones then it’s best to avoid a working environment in which you’re expected to always put work first or give up your free time.

3. Misalignment of Tasks and Description

In some cases, a listing will be posted that almost sounds too good to be true. In contrast, when you show up for the job interview, you might find that the description and expectations don’t match what was advertised. This is usually a good indicator that the company knows the job isn’t appealing and is trying to “spice it up.” Alternatively, it may be an indicator of poor organization. Either way, it might mean the position or work environment isn’t worth the stress or hassle.

4. An Inappropriate Job Interview

It’s not unusual to go in for a job interview and have to answer questions that might seem unconventional. After all, some employers genuinely have a desire to get to know their employees and have fun with them. However, some topics are universally recognized as off-limits. As might be expected these include sexual, racial or cultural, agist, or otherwise offensive comments, jokes, or questions.

5. A Disconnected Job Interview

Considering how much of their lives people spend at work, enjoying the company of prospective supervisors and colleagues is an important element of the process of job selection. Therefore, if a job interview evokes feelings of excitement, joy, or peace for everyone involved, it’s usually a good sign that things will go smoothly. Conversely, the opposite is true of a job interview that feels awkward, forced, or boring. As they might indicate struggles such as people working well together on projects.

Read More: The Coffee Test & 6 other Invisible Tricks Job Interviewers Use to Vet You

6. Close-Minded Job Interview

Change is inevitable, and often rapid. As such, a company that isn’t open to new ideas or methods may struggle to stay relevant in a growing market and employees may find themselves unemployed sooner rather than later. Not to mention few people actually want to work in a place where creativity and new ideas are stunted. Therefore, it’s advised to address the topic when prospective employers ask if you have any questions for them, asking how they deal with ideas or opinions that differ from their own.

7. Several Rounds

Some companies are so large that they have multiple departments that need to sign off on a new hire. As a result, the hiring process may take a few months, or be done in a few rounds. However, it might be a red flag if the company has taken more than a few months to make a decision, or has asked for numerous interviews, whether or not they’ll be with the same departments. First, this red flag draws attention to the fact that there may be some disorganization within the company. Second, it also draws attention to how indecisive a company might be. Not only leaving your job in a constant balance but also the tasks that are expected.

Read More: Woman has one question she asks at every interview, which always gets her the job

8. Inconsistency in a Job Interview

As previously noted, some job interview processes can take a few months, and meetings with different departments. However, it’s another red flag you ask the same or a similar question, over and over, only to be given differing answers by nearly everyone. Answers should be direct, concise, and specific.

9. A Disrespectful Environment

It’s unrealistic for all employees to always get along. However, one important aspect of a comfortable, happy, and thriving work environment is how conflict resolution is addressed. It’s significantly less than desirable to have to work in a job that doesn’t help its staff harmonize with one another. Instead, some are treated unfairly, while others might be overly criticized or ridiculed. In contrast, a healthy work environment is one in which colleagues can come to a mutual understanding or agreement, are supportive of one another, and appreciate a variety of perspectives because “it takes a village” doesn’t always apply to just raising children.

10. Pressure to Sign On

While companies do have deadlines to meet, those that value their employees, also give them time to think over, and decide, what they want. So, during a job interview being given an ultimatum is a major red flag, especially if it puts a time constraint on your ability to make a choice that aligns well with your needs, goals, or future.

Read More: Viewers Spot Sex Toy In Back Of Woman’s Interview On BBC News