MightyRecruiter12 Warning Signs in the Interview Process
The key to making good hiring decisions is to use all available resources. There are factors that can provide you with information to improve your hiring decisions. In other words, you need to keep an eye out for warning signs in the interview process. Here are 12 warning signs in the interview process that indicate you would be better off pursuing other candidates.
1. Tardy to the Party
Under no circumstances should applicants be late to an interview. Of course, there may be some legitimate reasons, such as an act of God, but even then you’ll need to use your own discretion.
2. Disrespectful, Arrogant and Dismissive
Pay attention to how applicants treat other employees while they are in route to the interview or to meet with you. They can treat you with the utmost respect and courtesy, but if they come across as disrespectful, arrogant and dismissive to your employees, then you are better off seeking out candidates who are on their best behavior. Their bad behavior could be indicative of how they will act on the job.
3. Confidence
Upon meeting them, did the candidate maintain eye contact, smile, and shake your hand Was their handshake firm and strong These are good indicators of candidates who possess confidence. Of course, special consideration should be given to candidates who may be from cultures that view eye and hand contact as taboo.
4. Inappropriate Attire
While a suit and tie is most appropriate for most interviews, depending on the particular job that the candidate is interviewing for, other types of clothing may be more appropriate. An applicant that is interviewing for a management position should not wear a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers to their interview, whereas a janitor can.
5. Over Communicates
Some job candidates have a tendency to talk too much when they are nervous. Even though you want to get as much information as possible from this person, if they are overstepping by talking too much, that is a good indicator that they may not know how to exercise good judgment.
6. Inquiring about Salary Prematurely
Pay is one factor that most candidates want to know about. However, asking about salary and pay early on in the interview process can be a sign that the candidate may not be concerned about the needs of the employer and that they have a limited form of thinking and poor judgment.
7. Bad Mouthing Past Employers
When listening to candidates talk about their past employers and experiences, you are also assessing whether they are capable of taking responsibility for their actions and learning from their past experiences. If they instead blame their actions and decisions on others, that is a great indicator that this person may not suitable for a position at your company at that time.
8. Inadequately Prepared
Candidates that know little to nothing about the company or position they are interviewing for, lack the right tools, such as paper, pen and resume and are winging things are not really prepared for the interview. This lack of preparedness is a very strong sign that they are may not be prepared or qualified for the job.
9. Poor Language
No matter how relaxed and informal a job culture is, candidates should never result to using inappropriate language. If they do, they are properly monitoring themselves or exercising good judgment. If they fail to practice self-awareness and class during the interview, then imagine how will they act once they are on the job
10. Lack of Details
The interview process is the first and only chance most candidates get to make a great impression with a potential employer. This is when they should provide details and in-depth information about their qualifications and experience. If they are vague, evasive or omit information, there’s a strong possibility that they are unable or unwilling to provide the information you need.
11. Not Being Inquisitive
Candidates that do not take advantage of the open floor you provide at the end of the interview to ask questions may not prepared, interested or have a good understanding of the job or your organization. Either way, they are warning signs in the interview process that shouldn’t be ignored.
12. Poor Body Language
After the initial meet and greet, carefully monitor how the candidate acts. Do they have good posture or are they too relaxed or rigid You are looking for body language cues to tell you if they are defensive, trustworthy, arrogant or attentive. Remember, candidates should be putting their best foot forward during the interview.
Depending on your organization’s needs, there may be other warning signs in the interview process you should keep a keen eye out for to improve your hiring decisions. For more information on how to identify other warning signs in the interview process, use the resources available here at Mighty Recruiter.