Job interviews are critical moments to showcase your potential, but certain behaviors can jeopardize your prospects. Here are
2 interview red flags that could make you lose the job
, from an ex-Google exec. Armed with insights from Jenny Wood, a former director at
, you’ll learn how to navigate interviews to boost your chances of landing the role.
Jenny Wood dedicated nearly 18 years at
, accumulating invaluable experience in conducting interviews and hiring decisions. Throughout her career, she developed a deep understanding of what employers look for in potential candidates. In her forthcoming book, "Wild Courage," and her newsletter,
Big Small Things
, she shares crucial career insights. This article draws from her expertise to help job seekers present themselves effectively in interviews.
### Indifference: A Major Red Flag
One of the foremost red flags Jenny notices in interviews is
indifference
. When candidates lack enthusiasm during the interview, it raises serious concerns about their future performance. As Wood points out, "The interview is a window into their future performance." If you appear unenthused, it may signal to the interviewer that you might bring the same lack of energy to your role.
Why Enthusiasm Matters
Enthusiasm is a vital asset in any organization. It not only energizes you but also positively influences your team and workplace environment. A lack of enthusiasm can be perceived as a lack of commitment to the job and the company. Wood emphasizes, "Make me feel like you're excited to be here." This mindset should be at the forefront of your approach when preparing for an interview.
#### Tips to Demonstrate Enthusiasm
-
Research the Company
Come equipped with knowledge about the company’s culture, values, and recent accomplishments. This shows genuine interest and allows you to connect your skills to the organization's goals.
-
Engage Actively
Use body language to convey excitement. Maintain eye contact, smile, and highlight your experiences with passion when discussing your previous roles.
-
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Instead of generic inquiries, ask questions that align with the company’s objectives and how you can contribute. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and excitement about the potential role.
### Work-Life Balance Questions: A No-Go
Another critical red flag Wood advises candidates to avoid is inquiring about
work-life balance
during the initial interview stage. Questions around working hours or flexibility can raise concerns regarding your priorities. As Wood explains, inquiries about working from home or leaving times imply you're more focused on personal needs than contributing to the company’s success.
#### Why Focus on Work Tasks Instead
Instead of discussing
work-life balance
, steer the conversation toward job tasks and business goals. Showing an understanding of the role’s requirements emphasizes your serious commitment to the position. Ask about
-
Key Responsibilities
Make inquiries about daily tasks and what success looks like in the role.
-
Business Goals
Understand the main objectives of the team or department and how you can contribute to achieving them.
-
Challenges
Discuss potential challenges you might face in the role and how you plan to address them.
Engaging in these types of conversations helps you figure out if you will enjoy the projects and how you can help the company move forward.
### Networking for Work-Life Balance Insights
While it's essential to avoid talking about
work-life balance
in interviews, gathering such information is still crucial for your consideration. Wood suggests conducting informal chats outside of the formal interview process. Consider these strategies
-
Coffee Chats
Use platforms like
to reach out to current employees for casual conversations over coffee. They can provide insights on company culture without the formality of an interview setting.
-
Mutual Connections
Leverage mutual friends to connect with employees at the prospective company. They can offer authentic insights and advice based on their experiences.
-
Company Events
Attend networking events hosted by the company to interact with employees and get a sense of work-life balance in a more relaxed environment.
### Conclusion
Understanding these red flags will significantly enhance your interview strategy. Avoiding indifference and refraining from work-life balance inquiries positions you as a committed candidate, ready to bring energy and engagement into the workplace. Prepare thoroughly, exhibit enthusiasm, and ask the right questions to present yourself as the ideal fit for each role.
For those also looking to bolster their income or develop new skills concurrently, check out
CNBC's online course
on how to start a side hustle. With expert tips and strategies, it offers insights that can help you succeed in navigating today's job market effectively.