• Version
• Download 5
• File Size 15.54 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date October 19, 2022
• Last Updated October 19, 2022

RECRUITMENT RED FLAGS DURING HIRING PROCESS

RECRUITMENT RED FLAGS DURING HIRING PROCESS

BY DR. MUCHELULE YUSUF

There is no doubt that recruiters may come to interviews with their own preconceived biases as we have shared in this article where we share tips to work around and understand recruiter biases. We have also shared some risks using Competency-Based Interviewing in a multicultural setting that both recruiters and candidates should have in mind during the job search phase. However, in this article we will focus on specific red flags that recruiters have noticed in candidates that may result in rejection. All job seekers are human and thus some mistakes may occur during your job search that might be overlooked; however, recruiters have been adamant when it comes to the following red flags:

1. Unclear answers -If a candidate can’t answer who they are, what they have done, and why they believe they’re the right fit for the role “clearly and concisely” it may indicate that the candidate probably won’t interview well or meet the standards of the hiring manager. Here is a guide on how to answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
2. Lack of Research/Preparation -It is very evident when an applicant/candidate has done some research on both the Organization that they are applying to, the role they would like to later on fill but also the hiring manager prior to the interview. At the bare minimum, candidates should have read a few company blog posts and spent time researching the role in detail otherwise a lack of passion for the role will be perceived. Enthusiasm is great in any role, but desperation isn’t. So be mindful of how you elaborate or show your excitement to be recruited.
3. Multiple Job Applications at the same Organization – We at MettaMetta Foundation Foundation have shared many resources to guide our members in deciphering if a specific job matches their profile, in fact, we have our Job Alerts that recommend roles specifically tailored to the information you have provided us in your profile. When a job applicant applies for every job possible, it not only shows desperation, it could mean either the candidate is so passionate about your company that they will work any job to a sign that they aren’t serious about any one job. At MettaMetta Foundation  Foundation , recruiters using our recruitment system can see the list of all jobs that you have applied for at their Organization. Our career expert answers the question: Can I apply to different jobs at the same time without appearing unfocused?
4. Poor References – It’s important to hear how a candidate did at their last job or in a professional setting. A poor reference shows that a candidate isn’t going to perform well or is unable to choose their references well. It’s also important to see if they list former bosses or supervisors as references. A candidate that lists a co-worker or a friend may have something to hide. Here is how to coach your references and increase your chances to secure your dream job
5. No Weaknesses – Every job interviewer asks a candidate to identify their weakness. If they can’t or won’t, they are either unprepared or dangerously confident which could potentially cause internal conflicts at the workplace. Take a look at some weaknesses we have sharedthat you may use accordingly.
6. Lack of questions/doubts after the interview - Some recruiters see the lack of questions as an indicator that you might not have an interest in the job. Avoid all monetary and compensation questions at the beginning of the recruitment process.
7. Some recruiters do not like when candidates’ resumes show multiple career path changes, it could mean they get bored quickly and will grow tired of the routine aspects of the job. Given that the recruitment process for most of these organizations are tedious and time consuming, having held three or more positions in five years can be seen as a sign that the candidate isn’t invested and may continue to jump. However, in this day and age, things are moving fast and if you are at the beginning of your career, it is completely fine trying out different roles to acquire skills or find your perfect fit. We recommend that you make it clear in your cover letter or apply to only temporary assignments, volunteer jobs, or internships. It is also important that you make a clear link between the roles by highlighting the transferable skills.
8. Last but not the least, from observation, Inability To Follow Directions - We receive many enquiries about how to apply for jobs when the instructions and directions are clearly written in the job description/listing. Attention to detail is a very valuable skill in most of these International Organizations, and a miss like this can get you excluded from a role that you could have potentially excelled in.