5 Red Flags to Look for When Interviewing

Hiring is hard work, especially when you’re running a busy business. You need someone in the seat yesterday, but rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes. A bad hire does more than waste time, it can lower team morale, frustrate clients, and create awkward exits you’d rather avoid.

So how do you spot the warning signs before it’s too late? Here are five interview red flags every New Zealand business owner should watch out for.

1. They Haven’t Done Their Homework

If a candidate shows up without knowing what your business does, or they clearly haven’t read the job ad properly, that’s a problem. It usually means they’re applying to anything and everything.

What you want is curiosity and genuine interest, not someone chasing the first paycheque that comes along.

👉 Tip: Ask what stood out about your company when they applied. If they can’t answer, your gut is probably right.

2. They Talk Down Former Employers

Not every workplace is amazing, but pay attention if a candidate spends too much time blaming old bosses or criticising co-workers. This can be a red flag for negativity or future drama in your team.

The strongest candidates acknowledge challenges without throwing people under the bus. Look for professionalism and ownership in how they speak about past roles.

3. They Can't Give Clear Examples

Strong candidates give clear, specific stories. If you ask how they handled a tricky customer or a tough deadline and they reply with vague lines like, “I always do my best”, they may be glossing over the truth.

Good answers follow the “what, how, and what I learned” approach. If they can’t provide that, dig deeper.

4. They’re Too Good to Be True

Sometimes a candidate ticks every box. Their CV is flawless, their answers are perfect, and they insist they have no weaknesses. While it could just be nerves, it can also mean you’re not getting the full picture.

Trust your instincts. If something feels rehearsed or overly polished, ask more follow-up questions. Better yet, bring in another team member to sit in on the next round and get a second opinion.

5. They Don’t Ask Quesitons

The best candidates want to know about you, your leadership style, and what success looks like in the role. If they have no questions at all, or only ask about pay and hours, it may mean they’re not thinking long-term.

Curiosity is a sign of commitment. No questions can be a sign they’re just looking for any job.

Hiring With Confidence.

At Drive Culture, we know interviewing isn’t something most small business owners do every week. That’s why we make it simple, practical, and jargon-free. Whether you’re bringing on your first employee or building a bigger team, we’ll help you avoid the wrong hires and choose the right ones.

We can support you with:
✔️ Interview templates that actually work
✔️ Practical advice on what to ask (and what to avoid)
✔️ Guidance to hire the right fit, not just a warm body

📞 Book a free chat and let’s talk about how we can help you hire better.

Bonus Tip:

It’s not about finding a perfect candidate, it’s about finding the right fit for your business.