5 interview red flags to look out for

ATTENDING a job interview can be daunting, especially in light of South Africa’s rising rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth.

While the pressure to remain professional in a room full of strangers can be nerve-wracking, what if there are red flags you, as the candidate, should be on the lookout for?

ALSO READ: 6 most common lies job seekers tell on their CVs

With the rise of toxic workplace environments, is there a way to tell if a company is toxic before you sign on the dotted line?

Here are 5 red flags to look out for during interviews:

1. The interviewer being late: As the saying goes, ‘first impressions last’. If the interviewer is running late and makes no effort to apologise, it’s a sign of disrespect and could give you insight into how you might be treated if you accept the offer.

2. We are one big family: While this is common in interviews and can make candidates feel more relaxed, it’s important to remember that toxic families exist too.

3. Asking too many personal questions: This is too much, too soon. The infamous ‘tell us about yourself’ question primarily concerns your work experience, not your personal life. If a company insists on prying into your personal affairs more than your professional background, it may indicate a lack of boundaries—something that could be used against you.

4. Vague about salary and benefits: It’s true that salary discussions often do not come up during the interview, and it can be considered awkward to ask. However, if the potential employer consistently avoids the topic when it does arise, it could reflect poorly on the role you’re applying for.

5. Offering you the job immediately: While this can boost your confidence, it may also be a sign that the company has a high staff turnover rate, which often signals a toxic environment.

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