Red Flags in Job Interviews: What Gen Z Career Experts Say

In the competitive job market of 2025, landing an interview with a desired company is a significant milestone. However, the interview process is a two-way street, and candidates should be just as discerning as the employers. Gen Z career experts have identified several red flags that could signal a challenging workplace. These warning signs can help job seekers make informed decisions about whether a company is the right fit for them.

Constant Rescheduling and Disorganization

One of the most telling red flags is constant rescheduling and disorganization. While occasional rescheduling can be understandable, frequent changes indicate a lack of respect for the candidate's time. Rebecca Zucker, founding partner at Next Step Partners, notes, "Rescheduling once or twice may be acceptable, but any more than that is too much. Your time is just as valuable as theirs and, if that isn’t respected early on in your potential work relationship, it probably never will be." This behavior can be a harbinger of a disorganized workplace where deadlines and commitments are not taken seriously.

Disrespecting Others

Another critical red flag is when interviewers speak disrespectfully of their co-workers. This behavior can indicate a toxic workplace culture where psychological safety is low. Zucker warns, "This could 'not only indicate that the organization may be highly siloed, but also that there may be low psychological safety.'" A lack of psychological safety can lead to a hostile work environment where employees feel uncomfortable and unvalued.

Values Conflict

A mismatch between the candidate's values and the company's values can lead to dissatisfaction and poor job performance. For example, if a candidate values autonomy but the company has a micromanaging culture, this could be a significant red flag. Zucker suggests asking questions like, "Which decisions would you expect me to make, and which decisions would you want me to escalate to you?" to assess whether the company's values align with the candidate's.

Lack of Clarity or Consistency in Answers

Vague or inconsistent answers to questions can indicate a lack of transparency and poor communication within the company. Zucker advises, "If the answers you’re getting precise and clear, or are they vague and generic? If it’s the latter, keep asking probing questions until you get the answers you need. If the interviewer balks, that’s a red flag." This lack of clarity can lead to confusion and inefficiency in the workplace.

Bait and Switch

If the job description or interview process does not match the actual role, it can indicate poor communication and management. Zucker points out, "This can be 'an indication that they don’t communicate or manage change well with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.'" This can lead to a lack of trust and job dissatisfaction among employees.

Inappropriate Questions or Comments

Inappropriate questions or comments can indicate a lack of training and a tolerance for bad behavior within the company. Zucker states, "If you receive a question or comment that is ageist, sexist, racist, or equally offensive, it is an obvious red flag that this organization not only has poor training, but also likely tolerates bad behavior." This can create a hostile work environment and lead to legal issues for the company.

Lack of Connection

If the interviewer is not engaged or seems distracted, it could indicate a lack of interest in the candidate or the role. Zucker suggests, "This could mean that they really aren’t that interested because they’ve already lined up someone else for the position." This lack of engagement can lead to a lack of motivation and job satisfaction among employees.

Resistance to Change

If the interviewer expresses resistance to change, it can indicate a lack of innovation and adaptability within the company. Zucker advises asking questions like, "How do you deal with others who have different opinions?" to assess the company's approach to change. This resistance to change can hinder the company's ability to grow and adapt to new challenges.

Excessive Number of Interviews or Drawn-Out Interview Process

A lengthy interview process can indicate indecisiveness or a lack of efficiency within the company. Zucker notes, "If the interview process drags on too long, it 'can be a sign that the team or organization is overly consensus driven, indecisive, or has issues driving things to completion.'" This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in the workplace.

In summary, the red flags identified by Gen Z career experts in job interviews reflect broader workplace issues and organizational culture. These red flags can indicate underlying problems within the company, such as disorganization, lack of respect, poor communication, and resistance to change, which can have a significant impact on the overall workplace environment. By paying attention to these red flags, candidates can make more informed decisions about whether a company is a good fit for them.