Job Interviews Are Similar to First Dates—Be Aware of These Warning Signs

      You’ve just completed your preparations, and your outfit is a reliable choice. As you step out of the house, you realize you have ample time to reach your destination—not too early, but not late either. During your journey, you'll contemplate how to respond to typical get-to-know-you questions, hoping to make a great first impression. Feeling a bit nervous is perfectly normal, but overall, you feel ready. After all, it's not your first time doing this; you simply want things to go well this time.

      Given your preparation, it’s hard to tell whether you’re heading for a first date or a job interview. In many ways, finding the right partner mirrors the process of finding an ideal job. You want them to appreciate you, but you also need to like them for a successful long-term relationship. Unfortunately, this aspect often goes overlooked during interviews.

      Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer, suggests that toxic employers exhibit the same red flags as toxic partners—different environments, same issues. Failing to recognize these signs early on could lead to a negative experience. When considering your career, it's essential to find the right match. With this in mind, we consulted Morgan to identify job interview red flags to avoid bad employers and secure a worthwhile role.

      **MEET THE EXPERT**

      Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer

      Avery Morgan serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie, bringing extensive knowledge in strategic leadership, workplace culture, talent management, employee relations, corporate wellness, and productivity. Under her guidance, EduBirdie has launched initiatives to tackle the increasing problem of burnout among young people and has implemented programs assisting professionals in enhancing productivity while achieving a better work-life balance.

      1. **Run if they criticize their previous employees**

      “If a recruiter or hiring manager begins to speak negatively about former employees, consider it a warning,” warns Morgan. Remarks regarding someone's appearance, personality, or work ethic reveal much about the company culture and how they might treat you later. Humorously remarking, “As long as you’re fun, you’re already better than the last person,” is disrespectful and one of the major interview red flags. Similar to dating, it indicates you could be next.

      If this topic doesn’t arise, Morgan suggests inquiring about who previously held the position and why they left. “If you receive a respectful and direct answer, that’s a positive sign,” she notes. “A professional organization focuses on the future rather than past conflicts,” she adds.

      2. **Don’t fall for unrealistic promises**

      “Creating expectations in your mind before things are confirmed can lead to disappointment,” observes Morgan. Just as you shouldn’t become overly optimistic if your date mentions plans for an event months away, don't get too enthusiastic when a hiring manager enthusiastically states, “This will be your office!” before you receive an offer. Morgan further cautions against “love-bombing,” where someone inundates you with attention to gain your trust. “If a hiring manager inundates you with unfulfilled promises (like a fancy office), they might be trying to keep you interested or selling a ‘dream job’ that isn't as desirable,” she explains.

      This tactic can easily distract you from the actual responsibilities of the job—exactly why they do it. Morgan advises keeping your non-negotiables handy, comparing them with what's promised, and ensuring these are included in the official offer before you sign anything. “Ask challenging questions about job demands, daily routine, and next steps for a clearer understanding of the reality before committing,” she urges.

      3. **Avoid a company with toxic dynamics**

      “Joining a company means assimilating into its workplace culture, much like dating requires adapting to someone's family dynamics,” Morgan points out. No pressure! Signs of favoritism, drama, and the inability to address fundamental issues, like communication and boundaries, are major red flags. To detect these, observe the demeanor of those you interact with during the interview process. Do they appear engaged or drained? Are they respectful, or do they make snarky remarks to one another? You’ll spend significant time with these colleagues—take your time deciding.

      Morgan recommends asking about employee turnover rates and reviewing the company on Glassdoor. This will help you understand how long employees typically stay and what former employees say about their experiences. If you want to ascertain whether the workplace culture aligns with what hiring managers and current staff present, you’ll find the answers on Glassdoor. Lastly, if something feels off, it likely is—trust your gut.

      4. **Be cautious of a boss who relies on higher-ups**

      Respecting colleagues is crucial, yet some managers seem to seek approval from superiors for even minor decisions. Simple adjustments to workflows, task assignments, or general feedback shouldn't require board involvement (just like your date shouldn’t need their mother’s opinion on a new lease). “If your prospective boss continually refers to higher-ups or name-drops the CEO