The job interview is a moment of high pressure for the interviewee, and so called red flags play a crucial role in whether you come across as professional or not. You could prepare for weeks the discourse you wish to deliver during your interview, but then break down through nerves or anxiety under the microscope, sparking red flags. All would be undone in seconds. But rest assured, you will be able to tell apart and identify the different red flags of a job interview so that you avoid them and feel more comfortable about the entire experience.
On occasion the tone of voice alone can have a strong impact on your chances. In others, body language can show certain red flags and emit insecurity and loss of control. It is why in a job interview what we say can sometimes be of little importance in relation to how we act. Acting in a professional manner requires you to learn about red flags that can be seen as weaknesses.
What are red flags?
The term red flag likely originates from the system of signals used with flags on the battlefield or airfields. A red flag is usually a signal of alert or danger, unlike say a white flag which is the signal of surrender. Red flags as an expression means that you have given out a signal, feature or behaviour that did not give off a good impression to your interlocutor
Remember that the recruitment branch of HR looks through dozens of candidates each day, which makes them establish patterns of conduct that give off negative emotions, such as insecurity with your professional path, work stress, fear or, at worst, a propensity for dishonesty.
Obviously the majority of candidates look to show their best side in the job interview. But what happens when we inadvertently set off the alarm bells with a red flag? Many of the professionals who go to a selection process and are not hired, lose their job opportunity because of the red flags. So, what are the main red flags in the job interview? Pay special attention.
What red flags are the recruiters looking for in candidates?
During the interview each detail you emit is important and when the recruiter observes that there is a detail that doesn’t convince the recruiter they will continue to investigate and dig to make sure they know what is up. Now you know what recruiters are looking for, let’s cite the red flags.
- The candidate is not sure of their salary expectations. This can be a red flag for the recruiter due to the perception that the candidate does not have a sense of self-worth, of professional assuredness and is able to lead a negotiation for their own interests.
- The candidate does not maintain eye contact. This happens when the candidate is looking elsewhere that in the eyes of the interviewer. It has a negative impact on your relationship with the interviewer. Studies show that eye contact is vital to building a good rapport, and displays determination and leadership. Be careful though : in some cultures excessive eye contact is considered rude.
- The candidate does not remember information on their CV. This is unacceptable for a recruiter as the candidate is supposed to know his or her CV to the letter, including when they started and finished a work experience. Whilst nerves can get the better of you answering this as a candidate, you are supposed to display emotional control if interviewed.
- The candidate show a lack of knowledge in their own specialisations. It is extremely common for some people to lie on their CV. Some even go through hours to prepare a false narrative to avoid being unmasked. Some though simply let nerves get the better of them, and that is also a red flag to the interviewer.
- Employment gaps the candidate cannot explain : These can imply that the candidate has a difficulty maintaining working relationships and staying in one place for a long period of time due to a lack of productivity or personality issues.