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“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview

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You don’t mind working overtime if need be now, do you?
The sick days are limited but the pizza during office parties is not!
We’re like a family here, so employees don’t really mind answering a phone call or receiving an email after work.
If you think that these phrases sound like warning signs when said in a job interview, that’s because they most likely are; asking about overtime is arguably the company checking to see how willing you are to go the extra mile, the pizza comment means that you might have to put your work above your health in times when you should be resting, and comparing themselves to a family is only accurate if the family the interviewer is referring to is somewhat dysfunctional.
But these three instances are far from the only signs indicating that a certain workplace might not be the best choice. Members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community recently discussed more of such indicators, after the user ‘photo_inbloom’ asked them about red flags that everyone should be aware of when attending a job interview.
If you’re curious to learn what red flags netizens described, scroll down to find them on the list below, where you will also find Bored Panda’s interviews with the OP themselves and with the director of Lerner College Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, Jill Panté, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions on job interviews.

#1

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
If they tell you on arrival that the job you applied for is no longer available, but they have a VERY SIMILAR position that JUST OPENED UP - leave immediately.

It's a bait and switch tactic coupled with the sunk cost fallacy. The "new" position will be identical to the original one you applied for - except the salary is significantly lower. They're hoping that you'll play along because you showed up to be interviewed, probably desperate for work and will accept any job - no matter the wage.

Furthermore, the position you applied for doesn't really exist - or at least not at the advertised wage.
55points

#2

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
My (female) ex was applying for a manager role. Interview panel included a male ceo, a female leader and don't remember who else.

At the end, my ex directed a question at the female leader about her experiences there as a female leader.

The ceo jumped in before she could answer and answered for her.

That said a lot.
54points

#3

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
"We don't like 'clockwatchers' here. We expect everyone to be committed." Expecting more work for no extra pay. Getting mad at you when you leave at 5 even though your stated work hours end at 5.
53points

In an interview with Bored Panda, the OP shared that they decided to start a thread on the topic after they were laid off from their job. “It was a very toxic environment to work in. I’ve been attending job interviews this week and wanted to be aware of what to look out for,” they shared.

“I found [the discussion] very beneficial because I’m now keeping all these answers in mind as I attend job interviews while looking for a job.”

#4

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
Not telling you the salary.
52points

#5

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
"We only want the best of the best"
Me: "how much are you paying?"
"Minimum wage".
50points

“I’ve noticed that when management says they treat everyone like family that it ends up being a lie,” u/photo_inbloom said, asked about the red flags they have observed firsthand when interviewing for a job. “When managers say that, they actually have favorites and treat everyone else like garbage. They do not care about you and only see you as a number rather than as a human being.”

#6

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
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.
47points

#7

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
If the interviewer is late for your interview. If you were late, they wouldn’t even consider hiring you. It works both ways.
41points

#8

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
I brought up a company’s awful Glassdoor reviews and they got so mad they ended the interview. Well. Guess I dodged that bullet.
40points

According to the OP, it’s extremely important to pay attention and keep such red flags in mind, especially during job interviews. “I’m guilty of ignoring red flags and I’m trying to get better at not doing that,” they admitted.

“I think that even if a job sounds perfect you need to really dive into what is expected of you and how the company words things when interviewing you. Anything could be a trap and you need to be careful – carefully consider everything they are telling you and perhaps even write it all down. Speak to a friend and get their second opinion on it as well.”

#9

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
"Nobody wants to work anymore" - You're about to find out exactly why nobody wants to work for them.

Seriously, *every single* job I've worked that said that during an interview was toxic and grossly underpaid.
40points

#10

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
Pre-internet red flags that still apply.
1. Check the condition of employees' cars.
2. Check building condition.
40points

#11

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
"Well, the overtime isn't *mandatory*, but most folks stick around after hours most days."

Spoilers: The overtime is mandatory.
39points

According to Jill Panté, the director of the Lerner College Career Services Center and an expert in professional development and interviewing, it’s important for interviewees to pay attention to potential red flags as they act as an early warning system for what the job may become.

“Paying attention to different types of red flags can help job seekers avoid entering a workplace that may not align with their professional goals,” she said. “For example, if the company is vague about the culture, career advancement, or daily responsibilities and expectations, that could be a warning sign or a red flag that the company is disorganized and may suggest internal confusion and instability.”

#12

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
When you are signing all the forms they give you and you are taking your time to read over every document so that you can fully understand what you are getting into and people come in and start telling you that you don't need to read this and that just sign here and so on.
38points

#13

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
They asked me my political opinion which I didn't think was right.
37points

#14

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
When you ask, "Tell me about a time when one of your employees really impressed you." and they cannot give you a SINGLE example.

My current job gave me MULTIPLE examples of how their team members impressed them. That's how I knew I wanted to work there.

In comparison, when I asked this in another interview, the answer was, "There's so many instances and I can't focus on only one." which I interpreted as, "I don't value my staff in the least." I was glad not to get that offer.
37points

Asked about the red flags Jill Panté herself would advise interviewees to be aware of, she emphasized lack of professionalism, unclear expectations, poor communication, lack of flexibility, and high turnover as some of the main ones to watch out for. “These warning signs can indicate deeper problems with the company such as toxic leadership, disorganization, and lack of regard for employee well-being.”

#15

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
If you have to make any financial investment into the company in order to work there.

I interviewed for a window installation company and did well on the test. They wanted me in sales and said I needed to pay for a laptop. They would cover it and take it out of my checks if I didn't have the cash to pay upfront.
32points

#16

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
A red flag is when the interviewer doesn’t ask about your experience or skills in detail but focuses on your willingness to work long hours or handle excessive workloads. It could mean they expect you to overwork.
31points

#17

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
One time they said "We expect people to work here for the fun of it, not the money". Inspired by a Dilbert comic, my response was "If you really mean that, then how about you give me your money and I'll give you the fun part?"
30points

“Asking questions during the interview process is imperative to make sure you uncover or address any red flags as well as making sure the company is aligned with your career goals,” J. Panté told Bored Panda, suggesting that addressing red flags can help clear the air around certain matters, whether it works to the advantage or disadvantage of the company.

“For example, if you want to work for a company that invests in its employees’ career growth, ask questions about a typical career path, opportunities to learn new skills, or the reasons why the previous person left the role. These questions can help you figure out the company’s commitment to their employees.”

#18

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
If they say things like "we've had trouble filling this position" or give hints about having a high turnover rate. There's a reason everyone's leaving.

Learned this the hard way.
29points

#19

Recruitment processes that have 4+ rounds spanning months. Broken management structure that cannot make a decision and also delusional a decent candidate won't have better options.
29points

#20

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview
If they lied about the salary on the posting.
28points

Asking questions is also important if the interviewee doesn't form too good of a first impression of the company, as it might be worth giving the benefit of the doubt.

“The first impression often sets the tone for the overall perception of a company,” J. Panté noted, “But if job seekers experience a bad first impression, I recommend doing a little more research on the company (using resources like Glassdoor or LinkedIn) and giving it a second chance before walking away.

“If you are given the job offer and still have reservations, request another call to address your concerns before making a final decision. For companies, a low job offer acceptance rate should prompt a thorough review of the hiring process to identify areas for improvement.”

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