Signs You Are Interviewing a Low-Quality Candidate
There are a few primary qualities that any job candidate seeks in a potential employer. On the one hand, it’s obviously important for candidates to find a job that pays well and provides adequate benefits. On the other hand, job applicants also tend to prefer employers who have cultivated rich, rewarding, and engaging workplaces. In fact, research suggests that for many of today’s job candidates, workplace culture is even more important than salary or benefits.
In the same manner, employers tend to look for certain telltale character traits when they’re interviewing a job candidate. In addition to talent, technical aptitude, and versatility, employers also look for employees who will be able to demonstrate certain “soft skills” (i.e., interpersonal skills or “people skills”) in the workplace and who will thereby be able to make a positive contribution to the overall culture of a workplace. During an interview, it’s essential for hiring managers to detect these traits (or their absence) in a job candidate.
Warning Signs to be On the Lookout for When You’re Interviewing a Job Candidate
What signs, exactly, should an interviewer be on the lookout for when assessing a job candidate’s suitability for a role?
Some of these signs are quite hard to miss, and others are far more subtle. In many cases, it’s the subtle cues that often tell us the most about a job candidate’s personality and habits.
Here are three subtle warning signs that you should look for when you’re in the process of interviewing a candidate:
- They show a lack of enthusiasm. If they don’t seem to be energized and excited to discuss the job opportunity with you, that’s a good sign that they will ultimately bring that same lack of vigor with them into the workplace.
- They don’t arrive at the interview on time. If you find yourself at the conference table (or in the Zoom meeting) waiting for your interviewee to arrive, take note: They’re liable to exhibit this same carelessness and lack of punctuality after being hired.
- They don’t ask you any follow-up questions. Of course, this doesn’t always necessarily mean that a candidate is unfit for a role. But generally speaking, asking follow-up questions to an interviewer shows engagement, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn. A lack of follow-up questions, on the other hand, could be a sign that a candidate is not as interested in a role as they would need to be successful.
- No professional references. As a general rule, you should be wary of any job applicant who fails to include references in their resume. This could be a sign that their previous professional relationships have ended poorly and that by hiring them, you could very well be onboarding a liability instead of an asset.
Start Connecting with Top Talent Today!
Are you ready to narrow down your candidate search to the most talented, qualified, and enthusiastic professionals in your area? If so, contact Tri-Starr Group today, and we’ll provide you with all of the tips and tools that you’ll need to get started!
