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You don’t mind working overtime if need be now, do you?

The sick days are limited but the pizza during office parties is not!

We’re like a family here, so employees don’t really mind answering a phone call or receiving an email after work.

If you think that these phrases sound like warning signs when said in a job interview, that’s because they most likely are; asking about overtime is arguably the company checking to see how willing you are to go the extra mile, the pizza comment means that you might have to put your work above your health in times when you should be resting, and comparing themselves to a family is only accurate if the family the interviewer is referring to is somewhat dysfunctional.

But these three instances are far from the only signs indicating that a certain workplace might not be the best choice. Members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community recently discussed more of such indicators, after the user ‘photo_inbloom’ asked them about red flags that everyone should be aware of when attending a job interview.

If you’re curious to learn what red flags netizens described, scroll down to find them on the list below, where you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with the director of Lerner College Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, Jill Panté, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions on job interviews.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If they tell you on arrival that the job you applied for is no longer available, but they have a VERY SIMILAR position that JUST OPENED UP - leave immediately.

It's a bait and switch tactic coupled with the sunk cost fallacy. The "new" position will be identical to the original one you applied for - except the salary is significantly lower. They're hoping that you'll play along because you showed up to be interviewed, probably desperate for work and will accept any job - no matter the wage.

Furthermore, the position you applied for doesn't really exist - or at least not at the advertised wage.

sheikhyerbouti , Pavel Danilyuk Report

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Sanne
Sanne
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13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd leave when the job is no longer available anyway. What kind of business do they run? Inviting applicants and then filling the job through other channels? Wouldn't want to work for such a company.

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#2

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview Not telling you the salary.

EffinAyyItsMe , Gabrielle Henderson Report

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Michael Largey
Michael Largey
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5 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once applied at a private school what would give you the salary schedule before the gave you the application. It saved them a lot of paper and interview time.

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#3

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview "We don't like 'clockwatchers' here. We expect everyone to be committed." Expecting more work for no extra pay. Getting mad at you when you leave at 5 even though your stated work hours end at 5.

Leather-Interview-28 , Ono Kosuki Report

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According to Jill Panté, the director of the Lerner College Career Services Center and an expert in professional development and interviewing, it’s important for interviewees to pay attention to potential red flags as they act as an early warning system for what the job may become.

“Paying attention to different types of red flags can help job seekers avoid entering a workplace that may not align with their professional goals,” she said. “For example, if the company is vague about the culture, career advancement, or daily responsibilities and expectations, that could be a warning sign or a red flag that the company is disorganized and may suggest internal confusion and instability.”
#4

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview My (female) ex was applying for a manager role. Interview panel included a male ceo, a female leader and don't remember who else.

At the end, my ex directed a question at the female leader about her experiences there as a female leader.

The ceo jumped in before she could answer and answered for her.

That said a lot.

CapnBloodbeard , The Jopwell Collection Report

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#5

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview "We only want the best of the best"
Me: "how much are you paying?"
"Minimum wage".

Perfect01Muse , Mina Rad Report

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Asked about the red flags Jill Panté herself would advise interviewees to be aware of, she emphasized lack of professionalism, unclear expectations, poor communication, lack of flexibility, and high turnover as some of the main ones to watch out for. “These warning signs can indicate deeper problems with the company such as toxic leadership, disorganization, and lack of regard for employee well-being.”
#6

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview One red flag for sure is when they talk about how the company is "like a family." 🥴 Like, that usually means they expect you to be super available all the time and put the job above everything else, even your actual life.

xpetiteemilyx , LinkedIn Sales Navigator Report

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#7

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview "Nobody wants to work anymore" - You're about to find out exactly why nobody wants to work for them.

Seriously, *every single* job I've worked that said that during an interview was toxic and grossly underpaid.

No_Recognition_1426 , energepic.com Report

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#8

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If the interviewer is late for your interview. If you were late, they wouldn’t even consider hiring you. It works both ways.

VoraciousReader59 , David Gallie Report

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Not Who You Think
Not Who You Think
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3 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shows a complete lack of respect for your time, and there's a good chance that's how you'll be treated if you get the job.

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“Asking questions during the interview process is imperative to make sure you uncover or address any red flags as well as making sure the company is aligned with your career goals,” J. Panté told Bored Panda, suggesting that addressing red flags can help clear the air around certain matters, whether it works to the advantage or disadvantage of the company.

“For example, if you want to work for a company that invests in its employees’ career growth, ask questions about a typical career path, opportunities to learn new skills, or the reasons why the previous person left the role. These questions can help you figure out the company’s commitment to their employees.”
#9

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview Pre-internet red flags that still apply.
1. Check the condition of employees' cars.
2. Check building condition.

dfgyrdfhhrdhfr , Nick Nice Report

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#10

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview A red flag is when the interviewer doesn’t ask about your experience or skills in detail but focuses on your willingness to work long hours or handle excessive workloads. It could mean they expect you to overwork.

itsjordanxx , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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#11

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview "Well, the overtime isn't *mandatory*, but most folks stick around after hours most days."

Spoilers: The overtime is mandatory.

babyjaybae , Karolina Kaboompics Report

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Tucker Cahooter
Tucker Cahooter
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10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh well, I guess I would not fall into the "most folks" group then

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Asking questions is also important if the interviewee doesn't form too good of a first impression of the company, as it might be worth giving the benefit of the doubt.

“The first impression often sets the tone for the overall perception of a company,” J. Panté noted, “But if job seekers experience a bad first impression, I recommend doing a little more research on the company (using resources like Glassdoor or LinkedIn) and giving it a second chance before walking away.

“If you are given the job offer and still have reservations, request another call to address your concerns before making a final decision. For companies, a low job offer acceptance rate should prompt a thorough review of the hiring process to identify areas for improvement.”

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#12

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview They asked me my political opinion which I didn't think was right.

cleverwall , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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Sofia
Sofia
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12 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nazi-fascist-communist-socialist-anaarchic-liberal-conservatory

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#13

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If you have to make any financial investment into the company in order to work there.

I interviewed for a window installation company and did well on the test. They wanted me in sales and said I needed to pay for a laptop. They would cover it and take it out of my checks if I didn't have the cash to pay upfront.

random5654 , Karolina Kaboompics Report

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#14

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If they lied about the salary on the posting.

Accurate_Screen_6012 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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YaMaOnToast
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8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they give a range but then say they cant go higher than the middle of the range is a big one

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One thing that can help companies improve their hiring processes while helping interviewees work on their skills, too, is transparency. Discussing this with Bored Panda, Jill Panté pointed out that the more we share with others, the more information and advice people can receive to improve their chances of success.

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“Hearing about different experiences can also provide more details surrounding the job search process as a whole, as well as common interview questions, and the best way to answer these questions. By learning from real-life situations, job seekers can adjust their strategies and build confidence for their own interview.”
#15

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview When you are signing all the forms they give you and you are taking your time to read over every document so that you can fully understand what you are getting into and people come in and start telling you that you don't need to read this and that just sign here and so on.

Elegant-1Queen , Leon Seibert Report

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#16

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview I brought up a company’s awful Glassdoor reviews and they got so mad they ended the interview. Well. Guess I dodged that bullet.

Adorable_xPrincess , Aslan Kumarov Report

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Mike F
Mike F
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5 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not EVERYTHING you read on the internet is false, lol.

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#17

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview When you ask, "Tell me about a time when one of your employees really impressed you." and they cannot give you a SINGLE example.

My current job gave me MULTIPLE examples of how their team members impressed them. That's how I knew I wanted to work there.

In comparison, when I asked this in another interview, the answer was, "There's so many instances and I can't focus on only one." which I interpreted as, "I don't value my staff in the least." I was glad not to get that offer.

Ethel_Marie , The Jopwell Collection Report

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#18

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview One time they said "We expect people to work here for the fun of it, not the money". Inspired by a Dilbert comic, my response was "If you really mean that, then how about you give me your money and I'll give you the fun part?"

copper-feather , pressfoto Report

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#19

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If they say things like "we've had trouble filling this position" or give hints about having a high turnover rate. There's a reason everyone's leaving.

Learned this the hard way.

undercover_ravioli , Marten Bjork Report

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Sofia
Sofia
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12 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

keep track how many times they look for that position

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#20

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview When they can’t even bother to look at your resume like bro if you want me to work for you at least fake it.

gracezeox , Drazen Zigic Report

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Bat cat in a hat
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11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had that. I turned up for the interview, the interview was at least one hour late, I had to wait in the shop floor without as much as a chair or a glass of water on a very hot day. Was called to the meeting room, the person interviewing read my cv while I was sitting in front of her and went "Oh no, no, no, you're not really suited for this job. We've probably going to hire the person that was here before you, she was perfect for this position, we got along so well! Since you're here anyway, do you want to hear about the company?" Fúck no, lady, thanks for wasting my afternoon

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#21

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview A major red flag to watch for during a job interview is if the interviewer or company representative speaks negatively about current or former employees. This behavior can indicate a toxic work environment where blame and negativity are commonplace.

Organic-Republic-990 , UK Black Tech Report

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Comment Deleted
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3 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Years ago, Had an owner call me to set up an interview. While on the phone she kept complaining about an employee and saying that she does not know it yet but she is being fired as soon as we hire someone new. I declined the interview. I called the catering company the next day and asked to speak to the employee ( owner had used her name and dept repeatedly) I explained who I was and warned her. I was absolutely disgusted by the owner.

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#22

Recruitment processes that have 4+ rounds spanning months. Broken management structure that cannot make a decision and also delusional a decent candidate won't have better options.

speedisntfree Report

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Child of the Stars
Child of the Stars
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3 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's no reason I should ever have to interview with anyone except my immediate management more than twice, and it should happen within a week. Either you want to hire me or you don't. I got kids to feed and put a roof over their heads; I don't have time (or the patience) for your b******t.

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#23

Making you wait. I had a boss who would do this. We did a lot of interviews, because we had a lot of turnover. Geez, I wonder why. He would say he wanted to see who really wanted it. I would say they’re here early/on time, they want it.

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LonelyLittleLeafSheep
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5 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll give the interviewer 15 minutes past the scheduled time. After that, I'm walking. If they don't respect me enough to be on time for the interview, they aren't going to respect you as an employee.

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#24

I interviewed with one of the big ticket networks. It’s based in Southern New England.

The pre-screen call with the hiring manager went well and our views about writing code, source control and documentation were spot on so I thought I’d give it a shot.

When I arrived they took my driver’s license from me and told me they’d hold it while I was on site. Then they wanted to do a credit check while I was taking a series of grammar, basic intelligence and JavaScript tests.

I told them there’s no way I was going to get my credit dinged with a hard credit check before an offer. The woman from HR… just. didn’t. get. it.

I made sure they stopped the credit check, collected my license, and walked out.

I sat in the car for a minute, thinking about the very odd vibe of the place, how they treated me, and wondered about the culture of a place that would do these things.

Since then, they have been outed for a whole bunch of issues, including [big surprise] HR ethics.

Looking back, I never should have considered working in that place.

I’m very happy where I work now, my boss is smart and flexible and I’m doing good work — as opposed to screwing concert goers.

Near miss!

NorthNorthAmerican Report

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Freya the Wanderer
Freya the Wanderer
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6 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asking for your driver's license so they can hold it is a BIG red flag. What if they refused to give it back till you completed the interview, or took certain B.S. "personality" tests? If I arrive for an interview and somebody tells me to let them hold my license, I'll nope out of there.

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#25

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview "These will be your responsibilities, but you might be asked to do take on this and that role." Prepare to take 3 jobs for the salary of 1.

island-breeze , The Jopwell Collection Report

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Mike F
Mike F
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5 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dreaded "other duties as assigned" which translates to: we're going to train you to do 3 jobs, but pay you for one.

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#26

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview If your interview is between 12 to 2, look around. If everyone is at their cubicle eating their lunch. Red flag.

shaka_sulu , Steve Ding Report

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Ace
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14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rubbish. So many factors involved, but this was always my personal preference over 30+ years of working in offices. Doesn't mean I'm working longer hours by not taking a break, just that I prefer to be able to take a break whenever I want to and not interrupt a productive flow of thought or logic (as a programmer, for instance) just because an arbitrary 'rule' suggests that this is the time for lunch.

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#27

Bull****t psychological questions clearly designed to throw you off of your practiced material. Like, describe yourself in 3 words.

APuffyCloudSky Report

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#28

Had a guy one time ask me how old my children were. I think he was trying to sus out if I would be able to work all kinds of crazy hours. If they pry too much into your personal life, that’s not good.

Dano558 Report

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6 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've (F) never not been asked if I plan on getting married or starting a family. They shouldn't ask that s**t but they do. On the other hand, one of the best jobs I've ever had started with an interview where that was asked and the interviewer ended the interview by telling me I was his first choice even though I was less qualified for the position than other candidates but "he liked my smile". I've never felt so unbalanced, but I needed a job and it was only supposed to be for 3 months. I ended up staying for years and it was, without a doubt, the best place I've ever worked

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#29

“Leave Immediately”: 30 Netizens Discuss Red Flags To Be Aware Of When Attending A Job Interview I went into an interview for a low-level admin position, and they made my put my cell phone in a bucket up front, stating "no phones are allowed in the back. it reduces productivity." Big NOPE for me.

GracefulGlowa , Goran Ivos Report

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Me. Just Me.
Me. Just Me.
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4 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That screams 2005 to me. Having a cell phone on you is normal and even expected today, unless you are working for the government or a government contractor, or a job where the device is a major radio interference risk, or could injure you or someone else because it's a dangerous job. Yes, our phones are more of a distraction than they used to be, but a good employer will expect you to manage that. A micromanaging employer will do something like this.

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#30

One of my go-to questions for an interviewer is, "In the past ten years, how many years have your employees received cost-of-living raises that meet or exceed the annual inflation rate? And how often have they also received merit-based increases above and beyond that amount?"

A s****y company won't answer the question.

A good company will give you an honest answer.

A great company will give you an honest answer of "Ten.".

Kalepsis Report

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7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The company I currently work for have given an above inflation raise every year since I have been there. 6 years this year.

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