7 job interview red flags to watch for, according to hiring experts

A post on Reddit posing the question “What’s a red flag everyone should be aware of when attending a job interview?” has sparked heated discussion on the online forum.

The post by user photo_inbloom, which has received 6,600 upvotes and 2,800 comments since it was posted on September 17, saw hundreds of Redditors share their personal stories of questionable practices and warning signs from their own interview experiences.

Job interviews are a crucial point for both employers and candidates to assess each other, and can be especially nerve-wracking for the interviewee.

A 2013 survey of 1,002 employed adults, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College, found that 92 percent of Americans are stressed by at least one thing about the job interview process.

The biggest fear was said to be having the jitters, with 17 percent listing being too nervous as their top concern. Nerves were following by being overqualified for the job (15 percent), being stumped by the employer’s questions (15 percent), being late for the interview (14 percent), being under qualified (11 percent) and not being prepared (10 percent), the survey found.

While the stress felt by potential job candidates is understandable, employers also have plenty to be nervous about when it comes to interviews.

Biggest ‘Red Flags’ During Job Interviews

Newsweek spoke to human resources and management experts who weighed in on what red flags interviewees should be aware of before accepting a job offer, helping candidates navigate potential pitfalls.

‘We Are a Family’ Culture

One common red flag raised by user xpetiteemilyx was the phrase “we are a family.” They explained “One red flag for sure is when they talk about how the company is ‘like a family.’ Like, that usually means they expect you to be super available all the time and put the job above everything else, even your actual life.”

Cassandra Nychay, who is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the people and culture manager at advertising agency Vladimir Jones, shared a similar perspective with Newsweek.

Nychay noted that while this phrase might sound inviting, it often disguises unhealthy work boundaries, overwork, or lack of professionalism.

“A strong culture should be rooted in shared values and mutual respect, not forced camaraderie,” she added.

No Wage Transparency

Accurate_Screen_6012 flagged the issue of salary transparency. Another user, smr312, echoed this sentiment, stating: “If they refuse to discuss salary or it’s something that can wait until after you signed the paperwork.”

Nychay explained that employers who hide salary ranges may either underpay their staff or lack a structured compensation system.

“Transparency in pay is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring employees are treated fairly,” Nychay emphasized.

Unwritten Promises

One Redditor, Saneless, shared their experience of being lured with the promise of bonuses.

“In one of my interviews… they were going to pay me less than I asked for but brought up the 10 percent bonus thing each time I asked about matching what I was asking for,” they wrote. “She got real quiet when I asked how many of those years I would have gotten the bonus.”

Nychay noted that unwritten promises should raise alarm bells.

“If an employer makes significant promises—like a promotion or raise—that aren’t in writing, be wary,” she warned.

Verbal assurances can easily be forgotten or denied later on, making it essential for key benefits to be included in an official offer.

Lack of Planning and Investment in the Interview

A poorly organized interview process is another major red flag. Reddit user Oo__II__oO recalled an interview that was repeatedly delayed and stretched well beyond the scheduled time, saying: “If the management can’t organize a simple 30-minute interview, they won’t be good to manage your interests, wellbeing, and future either.”

Cheryl L. Mason, relational leadership expert and CEO of Catalyst Leadership Management, explained that a disorganized interview process may indicate deeper issues within the company.

“I have seen everything from cold call interviews to multiple reschedules,” she told Newsweek.

This, she added, can signal a lack of respect or structure within the organization. Mason emphasized the importance of considering who is involved in the interview process.

“If there is only one interview and it is with HR, this can be a red flag, especially if the job is not in HR,” she said.

‘Turnover Mystery’ and Reputation

High turnover is another warning sign to watch for. Reddit user _SweetSorbet shared their experience of turning down a job after learning that the previous employee had quit after just a few months, and noticing that everyone they spoke to during the interview seemed stressed.

Adorable_xPrincess recounted how an interviewer ended their meeting abruptly after being asked about the company’s poor reviews on Glassdoor, the company review website.

According to Nychay: “An inability to discuss turnover rates might indicate an unstable or toxic work environment. A transparent company will openly share this information.”

Mason agreed, stressing that employers should provide clear information about their reputation, turnover rates, and values.

“The best employer will invest in you and respect you—both during the interview process and on the job,” she said.

Don’t Be Afraid to Probe the Company

Sakura_Bubbles reminded fellow job seekers that an interview is a two-way street. After asking an interviewer what they thought of the company, Sakura_Bubbles received a telling response.

“She said ‘well I like the pay,'” the Redditor said. This was enough of a clue that the company culture might not be the best fit.

“Keep in mind you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you!” Sakura_Bubbles advised.

Celeste Levitt is a project manager at ECA Partners, a retained executive search firm, who frequently conducts interviews as a hiring manager. She emphasized the importance of candidates asking the right questions.

“Being prepared to ask questions in an interview helps both candidates and recruiters determine whether the role is a good fit,” Levitt told Newsweek.

She also highlighted that it’s crucial to understand aspects such as company culture, in-office expectations, and start dates to avoid potential surprises.

Mason echoed these thoughts, explaining that candidates should use the interview to determine if the company aligns with their goals.

“You, the candidate, are also interviewing the organization to determine if they are the right fit for you,” she said.

Candidates should look for a place where they can grow, make an impact, and feel valued. Ultimately, recognizing red flags during a job interview can help job seekers avoid toxic environments and find a role where they will thrive.

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.

Do you have a work or career-related question? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.