As job recruiters in Houston, TX, Murray Resources can tell you that employers are always on the lookout for red flags when they’re interviewing candidates. After all, hiring mistakes are expensive. However, making the wrong career move can be costly for you, too. That’s why it’s just as important for you to look for any warning signs when it comes to a particular job or company. To help you do that during your next interview, here are 4 to watch out for:

#1: Lack of preparation.

When you go to an interview, you expect the experience to unfold in a certain way. However, if you’re left stranded in the waiting room for 45 minutes without explanation or the interviewer keeps checking their phone and interrupting your interview answers, it spells trouble. Likewise, if it’s clear they haven’t reviewed your resume, or don’t know anything about your background, then pay close attention during the rest of the interview. It could simply be a busy day or signal a lack of leadership.

#2: Unclear answers.

You keep asking about details of the role and how success will be measured in it. But you’re not getting much information back. This is a problem since you can’t make a decision about whether you want a job – or if you’re even truly qualified – if you don’t have the facts. So ask the question “what will I be doing?” and expect a clear answer. If you don’t get one, it could be because the role hasn’t been defined or there’s a gap in communication between the interviewer and the hiring manager. Either way, it’s not a positive sign.

#3: A rushed process.

If the interview seems especially short and you’re given an offer the next day, be wary. The company could be looking for someone – anyone – to fill a role, rather than seeking the right person. In addition, the problem with a hurried interview process is that you’re often not given the time you need to assess the job, the organization, its culture and other key factors that are important to you.

#4: Gossiping or negativity.

The interviewer should be putting the company’s best foot forward during this conversation. So if they start talking negatively about the person who held the position previously, be leery. Similarly, if they gossip about leadership or can’t honestly answer why they like working there when you’re asking about culture, then it’s time to cut your losses and move onto the next opportunity.

Interested in getting expert support with your search?

If you’re tired of struggling to find the right-fit job and employer, reach out to some of the top job recruiters in Houston, TX for help: the team at Murray Resources. We’ve been working with talented candidates for over 30 years, connecting them with rewarding opportunities at leading companies. You can get started with our team by contacting us or searching our Houston jobs now.