To think there are red flags you can spot early in recruitment processes?

[OptimistInLimbo]

I’ve just come out of a drawn-out recruitment process that’s left me reflecting on what counts as a “red flag” when you’re applying for jobs.

Sometimes the warning signs are obvious - long silences, moving goalposts or a last-minute “informal chat” that seems to re-test the same ground. Other times it’s subtle: vague feedback, unclear decision-makers or feeling like they’re not quite sure what they want in the role.

I wonder, what do others look out for as red flags during interviews or hiring processes? Has anyone ever pulled out partway through because of something that didn’t sit right and were you glad you did?

AIBU to think we sometimes ignore these early signs because we’re too invested by that point?

An 'informal chat' is definitely not a red flag! Companies don't waste time chatting, they are 'chemistry testing' to see if you fit with the company culturally. It's usually a positive - they think you're appointable in terms of skillset so they're testing your personality as the final hurdle. They're also giving you the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting and to chemistry test the company. At senior level, an informal chat is built into pretty much every process. I'd be very disappointed/concerned if I applied for a job and didnt get an opportunity to have a chat with my potential new line manager.

Delays are also not necessarily a red flag. People get ill or have holidays booked, sometimes you're the first to be interviewed but they can't make a decision until they've interviewed the last one. There's many innocent reasons for delays.

My advice to anyone looking for a new job is to concentrate on giving your best in a process to get the job rather than wasting time and energy on looking for red flags.

No salary on the job description.
Biggest red flag and would put me off applying.

That is so annoying.

In my field, the same job title can have £50k difference in salary. Job descriptions are so vague that you can’t tell from that which end of the salary they’re expecting to pay.

I've withdrawn from interview processes if they last for months. It just indicates that they are faffing around and don't have a clear directive for the role. Other red flags are objectionable people in power. All good jobs I've had have been concluded in one or two interviews.

For candidates, red flags are raised by people whose questions revolve around what they will get not what they might bring to the role.

I ring and ask. But I agree. It should be clear.

Honestly the biggest red flag is any mention of “we’re a family” or “the [insert company name] family”. It’s an employer, not a family.

No salary on the advert…if it’s direct recruitment I get jt, then everyone knows the sales that role earns but they should tell you if you ask.