Hiring a new team member is a bit like getting engaged after the third date. You’re making a big decision with a very limited amount of information. There are three methods of reducing new hire risk. Increase the amount of information you have about the candidate, draw new insights from the information that you already have, or work with an experienced recruiter who specializes in your field.
We’re going to focus on the second method and share the warning signs to watch for when hiring a new team member.
Resume Errors
This is pretty self-explanatory. In today’s job market, candidates must proofread and present pristine resumes. If they don’t spend the time to review a 1-2 page document what does that say about their professionalism, preparation, and attention to detail?
Tardiness
Bad traffic, accidents, and car trouble happen every day. However, lateness suggests that the candidate didn’t proactively plan ahead and build buffer time into their schedule. While not the biggest red flag on our list, it is a mark against the candidate.
Sloppiness
Much like their resume, a candidate’s appearance should be professional and pristine. First impressions are critical to the job interview process. How serious can someone be about the opportunity if they don’t bother to dress the part?
Lack of Research
In our opinion, this is the biggest job interview sin on the list. In the internet age, there’s simply no excuse for failing to brush up on the history, products, and key players within a company. If you ask a candidate “Are you familiar with our firm?” and they say “Not really…”, you can probably end the interview right there.
Explain Their Interest
Ask your candidate “Why this position? Why our firm?”. There are a lot of correct responses, but just a few wrong ones. If he or she doesn’t have an answer, says something like “A job is a job”, or “My mortgage won’t pay itself” you are dealing with someone who is not passionate or even that interested in your business.
Complaints
Anyone who runs down their former employer or co-workers won’t hesitate to speak ill about your firm in the future. Integrity could be an issue for this candidate. Proceed with caution.
Doesn’t Take Responsibility
We all make mistakes and, hopefully, we learn from them. A candidate who won’t admit to failing or making mistakes in the past is either delusional, egotistical or lacking self-awareness. All three traits are to be avoided.
No Enthusiasm
Most hiring managers want to see passion and enthusiasm from job candidates. It’s often seen as an indicator of a candidate’s true interest in the company and the opportunity. It’s definitely noticeable when a candidate is just going through the motions and it’s a red flag that there’s no drive or passion for the opportunity to join your team.
Doesn’t Ask Questions
There comes a point in most interviews when the hiring manager pauses and says “Now, what questions do you have for me?” Again, there are a lot of correct responses and just one incorrect one. If a candidate doesn’t have any questions after an hour-long conversation with you, he or she either wasn’t listening or isn’t invested.
No “Thank You”
A post-interview “Thank You” note is to be expected. It won’t get a candidate any brownie points, but its absence should be noticed. A “Thank You” note is a minor sign that a candidate is professional, polite, and at least a little bit organized. The absence of such a note is a red flag that your candidate may be inconsiderate of your time or lacking some professional polish.
We’ve looked at the ten biggest and most visible red flags you’ll encounter during the hiring of a new team member. While they may seem insignificant, these cautionary signs provide valuable clues and insights into who your candidate really is and what they might be like to work with. Watching for these red flags will help you make the best decision possible throughout the hiring process.
For more information on hiring right check out our infographic “Don’t Make a Hire You Regret: 6 Simple Tips“.
What hiring red flags have you encountered?
