5 Red Flags to Look for When Interviewing
5 Red Flags to Look for When Interviewing
You’re busy. You need someone in the seat yesterday. And let’s be honest — interviewing isn’t something you do every week. But hiring the wrong person can cost more than just time. It can knock team morale, affect clients, and end in some uncomfortable exits. So how do you know when your gut is onto something?
Here are five red flags to watch for — and what they might be telling you.
1. They Haven’t Done Their Homework
If a candidate can’t tell you what your business does, or hasn’t looked at the job ad properly, that’s a sign. They may just be applying to everything going. You want someone who’s curious and genuinely interested in the role — not just chasing a paycheque.
Quick tip: Ask what stood out to them about your business. If they struggle to answer, keep your radar up.
2. They Talk Down Former Employers
We get it — not every workplace is great. But if someone spends too much time blaming old bosses or bad-mouthing colleagues, they might bring drama into your crew. Look for candidates who take ownership of their experiences and speak with professionalism.
3. They Can't Give Clear Examples
Vague answers are a problem. If you ask for a time they handled a tricky customer or worked to a tight deadline and they respond with generalities (“I always do my best”), it could mean they’re padding the truth. Solid candidates give specifics — what they did, how it played out, and what they learnt.
4. They’re Too Good to Be True
Sometimes a candidate’s CV or interview seems perfect — maybe too perfect. They say yes to everything, they don’t have any weaknesses, and their stories feel rehearsed. It could be nerves, or it could be a sign you’re not getting the full picture.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, ask more follow-up questions. Or bring a second person into the next round to get another take.
5. Their Questions Are... Non-Existent
Great candidates ask thoughtful questions. They want to know how you lead, how your team works, or what success looks like in the role. If someone has zero questions at the end, or only asks about salary and hours, they may not be thinking long-term.
👉 Ready to Hire With Confidence?
At Drive Culture, we help business owners like you interview smarter — without the corporate jargon or cookie-cutter checklists. Whether you’re hiring your first staff member or building a whole crew, we’ll support you with practical tools and real-world insight.
✅ Interview templates that actually make sense
✅ Advice on what to ask (and what to avoid)
✅ Support for hiring the right fit — not just a warm body
📞 Book a free 15-minute chat and let’s talk about how we can help you hire better: [Insert booking link]
Bonus Tip: It’s Not About Perfection — It’s About Fit
Nobody nails every question. The goal isn’t to find someone flawless — it’s to find someone who’s teachable, reliable, and aligns with your team values. And if you're hiring for attitude over experience, just make sure you’ve got the right systems to support them once they’re on board.