5 Red flags to look out for in job interviews
We often notice the red flags after we’ve accepted a job offer. Spot these five warning signs early to avoid a sticky situation.
How well a company or industry is doing is largely dependent on how happy their employees are – that’s according to a 2025 research article in the SA Journal of Human Resource Management. The research further states that supportive leadership, recognition and work-life balance are significant in the workplace. When these values are not present or lacking, coupled with too much work and little to no growth, it can lead to burnout and depression in many employees.
These symptoms can be avoided in an interview. Look out for these red flags in your next interview to save yourself from feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place.
1. Being hired on the spot
In the video below by TikTok creator Jordan Hewitt, he recounts the story of being offered a job mere minutes after the interview. This is a red flag because the offer can be a distraction – instead of researching the company, you’re negotiating your contract. There could be problems within the organisation such as poor workplace culture and the hiring manager could be desperate to hire someone to help turn things around. As a result, you could unknowingly walk into a role that isn’t set up for success.
If you’ve been on the lookout for work for a long time, an immediate offer can be exciting and give you a sense of relief. If a company seems to be in good standing, and you find the pros outweigh the cons, accept the offer. However, for the most part, it’s best to wait before accepting so you can take the time to evaluate the offer and consider whether it’s right for you.
2. A disorganised interview
It’s not unusual for an interview to be rescheduled or the meeting format to change, but constant rescheduling can reveal wider mismanagement or disorganisation within the business.
The same can be said of a drawn-out interview process that takes months to complete. If you are not hearing anything for an extended period, it shows a lack of transparency and an inability to communicate effectively. You could be better off without them.
3. A vague understanding of the role and team
If you leave an interview unsure of what the role will entail, then you may not be prepared for what’s to come once you accept the job offer. You can request a job description and overview of the team and how you’ll fit into the overall organisation. This information should include:
– Who is on the team
– Who you’ll be reporting to
– Office culture
– Your day-to-day tasks
– Room for growth
– The company’s values
– The company vision
– Why the role you’re interviewing for is available
If the people in the interview aren’t willing to share basic information, look elsewhere.
4. Ambiguity about salary or company benefits
Is the company unclear about what they are willing to offer? This is a major red flag. You shouldn’t have to beg for information regarding things like medical aid, pension or group risk benefits. If a company is flaky with information that will impact your livelihood, perhaps reconsider working there.
5. “Off” attitude or body language
Some interviewers just give off a weird vibe. They may ask questions to catch you off guard or even ask you something unrelated. If you can sense that someone in your interview is trying to intimidate you, this can signal an imbalance in power dynamics.
Ask them questions like “What do you like about working here?” or “What is the work culture like?” If they appear confused or take too long to answer, you may want to conduct some investigation before signing the contract.
Words: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography by: Freepik
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