Every job candidate you interview will offer a unique perspective on how they’ll be able to perform the duties of the job. However, some will give you pause about their qualifications pretty quickly. Others might not seem like the best fit, but you may have a hard time gauging exactly why that is. These warning signs will help you determine if a job candidate isn’t suited for a position.
Lack of Confidence
Examine the confidence levels of everyone you interview. If someone is reluctant to speak highly of themselves in any way, it could suggest that they have an inferiority complex that won’t serve them well in the role. Everyone has moments of self-doubt, but confident workers are able to try anyway. You want confident workers because they help to boost morale and are able to accept criticism. If someone is modest in their interview, it doesn’t mean they’re completely unconfident. However, if they have a hard time even looking you in the eye, their low confidence levels should be cause for concern.
Lack of Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is the mark of a good job candidate. You want someone who you don’t have to double- then triple-check their work. That’s why it’s one of the most desired qualities. To screen for this, you might offer an example of quality control work that will need to be fulfilled. This could be something like reviewing a piece of writing for errors or a spreadsheet for formatting errors. Candidates should be able to identify problems, thereby showing they’ll be able to complete work with an eye on detail once hired.
Arrogance
Not being able to humble themselves in the slightest way should be a red flag regarding a job candidate. Arrogance might seem like confidence, but it’s actually just insecurity in a different outfit. When you ask someone about their biggest weakness or areas they want to improve in, they shouldn’t scoff and say they have none. They also shouldn’t be inflating their accomplishments to a ludicrous extent. Someone you hire should be able to understand that every day is a chance to do better than the day before. If they think they’re above everyone else, they’re not going to be a good fit.
Taking the time to determine if a job candidate would be able to take a position is essential. You need to be using your best judgment so that you can find someone who will be able to pick up on their duties without constantly being watched over. Filter out the ones who just aren’t going to cut it, and focus on the ones who you believe in.
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