“Decoding Interviews: Spotting Key Indicators”: A Guide for Hiring Managers

It’s easy to be captivated by a candidate’s charm or impressive credentials, but one of the biggest hiring mistakes is ignoring other key information a candidate reveals during the interview stage. Often, these overlooked warning signs can grow into significant issues.

Hiring the right talent is more critical than ever. Whether you’re staffing an innovative startup, filling roles in healthcare, education, or in a non-profit organization, or managing projects, every hire can greatly impact your organization’s trajectory.

Here are some warning signs that should be noted, along with positive indicators that suggest a candidate could be a valuable addition to your team.

Warning signs

1. Rescheduling and Lateness

Frequently rescheduling interviews, not responding to emails in a timely manner or arriving late for calls and meetings is a significant red flag. These behaviors often indicate a lack of respect for others’ time and poor time management—both critical skills in any professional setting.

2. Unpreparedness and Disorganization

If a candidate appears unprepared or disorganized during the interview process, it reflects poorly on their work ethic and professionalism. This could include not knowing basic information about your company or the position they are interviewing for, fumbling with materials, or providing short, vague and unfocused answers to questions.

3. Defensiveness and Lack of Accountability

Pay close attention to how candidates respond to questions about past challenges or failures. Defensiveness and an inability to take responsibility for past mistakes are significant flags. These traits suggest that the candidate might struggle with constructive feedback and collaboration, both of which are crucial in any professional setting. One way to get at this information is to ask why a candidate left previous positions and note if they speak poorly of past employers or employment situations. How they choose to answer these questions can often reveal a lot about a candidate.

4. Disinterest in Skill Development

A candidate who shows little evidence of past skill development is likely not committed to growth. Continuous learning and development are essential in any dynamic and evolving industry. Look for candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to their professional growth.

5. Spotty Communication

Effective communication is essential, where precision and clarity can make or break a project. Candidates who frequently disappear, fail to follow up or follow through on time or regularly blame technical challenges may struggle in a team-oriented environment.

Positive Indicators

1. Punctuality

Candidates who consistently arrive on time for interviews and meetings show respect, reliability, and strong time management skills. Punctuality is a clear sign of professionalism and commitment.

2. Preparedness

A well-prepared candidate who has thoroughly researched your company, understands the role, asks insightful questions, and follows up diligently is likely to bring the same level of dedication and forethought to their work.

3. Collaborative Language

Candidates who use collaborative language and demonstrate a team-oriented mindset during the interview process are promising. Look for those who speak in terms of “we” and “us,” indicating their ability to work well within a team and contribute positively to the work environment. I personally love it when on the first interview the candidate already answers questions with “we” when talking about the organization or a team.

4. Solutions-Based Mindset

A candidate who focuses on solutions rather than problems is a valuable asset. This mindset is particularly important where innovation and problem-solving are crucial, this shows confidence. Look for examples of how the candidate has navigated challenges and contributed to successful outcomes in past roles.

5. Engagement with Industry Content

Candidates who read industry publications, books, blogs, and listen to relevant channels and podcasts demonstrate a genuine interest in their field. This engagement indicates they are up to date with current trends and likely to bring fresh insights and a passion for continuous improvement to your team. Staying informed about best practices has never been easier, thanks to the wealth of information readily available at our fingertips.

By paying attention to these indicators, you can make informed decisions that will help you build a team capable of driving innovation and achieving excellence. Remember, a great hire not only fits the job description but also embodies the values, culture and work ethic that align with your organization’s goals.