ADVERTISEMENT

Interviewing for a job is an overwhelmingly nerve-wracking experience for even the most confident people. You do your homework, pick out an outfit, and rehearse your strengths and weaknesses for hours on end only to meet total strangers in a position of power and be judged by a single conversation.

But out of fear of coming off as unfit for the desired company, we can forget a job interview is a two-way street. Just as employers deem whether candidates are a match for them, it's equally necessary for applicants to see whether the organization is in line with their goals and values. Sometimes, the interviewer may make an offensive comment or give out a downtrodden vibe of the office, and our intuition tells us to quickly run the other way.

"What are subtle red flags at a job interview that say, 'Working here would suck'?" asked one user over on Reddit and inspired thousands of people to chime in with their stories. From phrases like "fast-paced environment" to promises to be a part of their close family, people revealed warning signs to be on the lookout for. Below, you’ll find some of the most illuminating responses from the thread, so be sure to upvote the ones you agree with most. And if you know any additional indicators of hostile and toxic work environments, let us know all about them in the comments right below.

Psst! If you’re interested in even more job-interview madness, check out Bored Panda’s earlier piece right over here.

#1

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job 'we're a christian company'

if they say that... f*****g run. end the interview as fast and possible and f*****g run.

they're going to overwork you, underpay you, short you on benefits, and f**k you over at the first sign of trouble, but the owners will show up daily, driving their $150k cars that they paid cash for, so they can sit in their office and do f**k-all for a few hours and then leave so they can go yell at the contractors remodeling their houses for the fifth time in six years.

buttery_shame_cave , Pixabay Report

Add photo comments
POST
david_smojver avatar
Dave
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whenever somebody invokes god or their religion in order to give themselves credibility, I know I am talking to the vilest, obnoxious, backstabbing piece of s**t.

florapolvado_1 avatar
Catlady6000
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Christian, I totally agree. If you are a real follower of Christ, you don't have to tell people

Load More Replies...
ascrumpet avatar
AwesomeLeoWife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally I have worked for a Christian company and I really loved it. All it meant was that Christian holidays were fiercely observed with days off and that keeping my family as a priority was supported. Our boss was one of the kindest, most understanding men I ever had the pleasure of working for. Don’t let hypocritical Christians lead you to believe that blanket statements about Christianity are as true as any other blanket statement about anyone.

kyrie24 avatar
VodkaInMySweetTea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same. My christian boss was the best I ever had. Invested in me, helped me improve my skills and experience, and even kept me on the payroll for a month after I quit (because I had just had a baby and chose to stay home for a couple years) and he wanted to make sure I had all my benefits and was completely covered. There are a lot of fake christians who use the label to cover for a lot of shitty behavior. But you know when you've met the real deal.

Load More Replies...
lisahewes avatar
Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad works for a company like that and he's fooled himself into thinking they're great. He's pushing 70 and literally almost died for this job (developed end stage heart failure, given 6 months to live all because of the years of stress he's taken on) but he still doesn't think they're that bad. His physical health is back to normal now, but he's never going to be able to retire and he will die working for this "Christian" company that will replace his as soon as he's gone. I hate them.

aimee_parrott avatar
Aimee Parrott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention they won't pay for your birth control or necessary reproductive healthcare.

throttle13 avatar
Throttle 13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom learned this the hard way over 30 years. She would always look in the phone book for businesses with a cross or a fish symbol, or use a referral from church. F**ked over and ripped off, every single time. Christians are the reason I'm not a Christian.

ssnx01 avatar
Chich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A local contractor was caught taking 10% off his employees wages and donating to his church as well as refusing to pay OT after one of the workers took him to court. Only hires young and dumb guys from his church now.

michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People can be Christians - companies cannot. A company is a commercial entity. You can no more have a Christian company than you can have a Christian pogo stick.

neirlucan avatar
Neir Lucan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like that should be obvious, unless they are implying their connection of buildings and money has its own soul.

Load More Replies...
idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"they're going to overwork you, underpay you, short you on benefits, and f**k you over at the first sign of trouble" Yeah, yeah, I'm familiar with Christians.

aliciagriffonlady avatar
Alicia GriffonLady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They pray about it later for forgiveness which makes it all ok, right? Can treat people like c**p and make it ok later in a way that doesn't help any one but themselves (psychologically any way...)

Load More Replies...
kate_blake avatar
Kate Blake
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And make you participate in a prayer group without an option to opt out.....

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Why can't you just bow your head and close your eyes for a minute?!" Because I'm not a Christian and am not going to pretend to pray to make you feel better, Debbie.

Load More Replies...
j-vagabond avatar
General Anaesthesia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And you'll have to take part in the crucifixion after the second coming.

smi avatar
S Mi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That first line is likely a warning. They support severely limiting the rights of women, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc. And expect me to do the same and follow whatever they believe is moral. If they were the loving, caring, accepting 'live and let live' Christians, they wouldn't need to tell you, as there is nothing to tell but a great work place.

deepond avatar
Dee on bikes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We're a Christian company" = "we are committed to maintaining and reinforcing traditional power structures"

carolinadancer1_1 avatar
Denise Painter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You left out "And women are second class citizens who should be home taking care of babies/grandbabies and keeping a home for the man."

Load More Replies...
gailbeard avatar
Gail Beard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my 25 years as a chiropractor, I have found that this is not uncommon in chiropractic clinics. It means that they will work you until you get injured, pay you low wages, all while they make bank, go on vacations, and both spouses drive luxury cars. Some even try to mandate prayer and play "christian" music all day. Run!

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've found that there is a high chance of MLM "side hustles" and "buy __ for my kid's school!" pressure at "Christian" jobs, as well.

Load More Replies...
kanoholani avatar
Alan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi my name is Christian and im a Christian and I make over $12,000 a month and if you work for me and you're Christian you can too! In the name of God, you'll be overworked and don't even ask for health benefits because YOU are saved by god. And also, GOD. Probs gonna be downvoted for this but whatevs lol

campffire2 avatar
Kitty White
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Unfortunately, these days in the US, it also means that your private life will be scrutinized, your healthcare will be in jeopardy (especially if you are a woman who wants/needs contraceptives or abortion services, or has a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy), and you will be fired- which is not illegal in some states- if they even suspect that you or someone in your family is anything other than cishet. The scariest part is that plenty of folks are all-in with that BS, and think it’s their ticket to heaven.

aliciagriffonlady avatar
Alicia GriffonLady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked for a christian nursing home. One lady was worried that i missed church since i worked Sundays. I told her it's ok, nothing to worry about, i didn't go to church. Next tiny incident (a young x-millitary paraplegic resident had stolen another resident's music box and was going to throw it out side in the rain, i blocked him, he tried to run me over with his wheel chair, i put my hand out to protect my self, he told the nurse i shoved him.) i was banned from the premises and under investigation. (He was known to cause problems but i was the first staff to be investigated because of him) Since the investigation was by the state they found me innocent but i found another job while the investigation was going on.

Load More Replies...
tessb901 avatar
Tessb90
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be half way out the door the halfway through the sentence.

harperthurman avatar
Luna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only place this should be said is if it’s a church hiring

christinagomez avatar
Christina Gomez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even as a Christian, this is a red flag for me. It screams that nothing will ever be good enough, and if you disagree with even the slightest thing, they'll look for a way to fire you

visionjinx91 avatar
A Thousand Years Wide
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had an interviewer ask me, "what church do you go to?". I panicked and just mentioned my Mom's church. I am not religious but didn't want that to affect my chances of getting hired. I realize now that it would have been illegal if they did pass on hiring me for that reason.

nrmclaren13 avatar
Nova McLaren
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's pretty much all corporations. The Christian ones will then try to deny you both control and donate money to anti-civil rights organizations.

tiinabender avatar
Iifa A.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is religion part of job description unless you're forcibly pushing religion down throats? I thought it was freedom of speech and religion, cannot be judged or discriminated against?

james_croft avatar
Nimitz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People don't have freedom of speech in a work environment. Every HR department has a long list of things you're not allowed to say at work.

Load More Replies...
houseofno avatar
Houseof No
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they claim to be a Christian company, ask them which version of Christianity? Last time I checked there were over 420 different varieties of Protestant Christianity in the USA alone. Don't hold your breath waiting for an answer. Wage theft and hostile work environments aren't just sins, they are illegal, as in FEDERAL ILLEGAL.

phantomski avatar
phantom ski
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont personally agree with automatically assuming thus, some companies MAYBE just have morals and ethics of Christianity and the beliefs of Christians, OTHER PLACES such as this one maybe, just want to exploit you "in the name of God"

aliciagriffonlady avatar
Alicia GriffonLady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Morals and ethics aren't "Christian". For example, slavery is encouraged in the bible, a truly ethical person would not allow slavery to exist.

Load More Replies...
marcianojunior avatar
Marciano Junior
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This recruiter called me to know me better and one of the questions was "what is your religion" I was just surprised and good say anything and hand up

bdunklin avatar
Bruce Dunklin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree with this post 100%. I am retired, but during my working days I once interviewed with a privately held company that had no mention of the fact that it was run by a family of hard core Xian fanatics in the job posting on Monster.com. In hindsight I should have just left after I walked into the lobby and saw a rather large cross on the wall and heard the receptionist say “Have a blessed day” at the end of a telephone conversation. The interview started off OK but at some point when I asked about the company culture (which I did specifically to get a sense of the religious influence) the interviewer said they were basically hard core Xians and every day they had a morning prayer thanking God and Jeebus for all their blessings, etc. They also had a very strict and outdated dress code that was ultra conservative, especially for the women, who couldn’t wear pants among other things. At that point I decided to end the interview and left. No way could I work there.

mfaby avatar
Mark Faby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You think it's just 'Christian Company' owners who screw the staff and show up in their brand new BMWs? ROFLMFAO!!!!!! Being Christian has little to do with it but being a greedy prick has a LOT to do with it. And btw, how do you feel about Muslim owned companies? From what I've seen they are just as bad, if not worse.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cute whataboutisms, but I don't see Muslims taking away our civil rights, staging coups, or threatening to overturn the Constitution to make this a "[their religion] nation!" Mark. Christians in America have earned their well-deserved reputations as immoral and cruel, and if you don't like it, it's time for you to do something to improve it.

Load More Replies...
ruthbh avatar
Ruth Hempsey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How they dare to call themselves Christian boggles the mind. If they understood their precious Bible which they love to quote from they'd know that whatever it is they practice it isn't the Christianity Jesus preached.

garth_bock avatar
Garth Bock
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They will impose their god-centric beliefs on running their company. You don't have a look or lifestyle they approve of ? Well you can expect a difficult time as well as face termination. They will believe and justify that your termination was right in their eyes.

taysharodriguez557 avatar
Lovemyisland ️
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this kind of places and people that probably are not even christian are the one's giving the perfect bad example. I've meet people like this and real christians and the difference is huge.

houseofno avatar
Houseof No
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they require a credit check for a job in which you won't be handling cash, run.

kcmilholland avatar
Justme
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d reply with: Blessed day. We’ve been sent good weather.

hlmorgan avatar
Big Chungus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish the first place I worked for I would've know they were scientologist, but they hid it very well during the interview

jdennis115 avatar
JDog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd do the same if they said "We're Biden people, here"

brickml avatar
Lyn Frew
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While interviewing for my previous job my boss explained the job as such “This is not a glamorous job, you will be sitting at a computer for 8 hrs a day in an office with no windows and a prison vibe. There is no room for advancement or movement. The job is the job. But, we offer great benefits! I walked out feeling defeated and yet still took the job. Lasted only months and then I escaped.

feliciawills avatar
felicia wills
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UPS store here in central Texas run by hateful Christians. They're company name is called ,Holy Ship. Do not ever work for them. They will send you unwanted religious emails and videos and turn company meetings into bible study. I left after a year. They bought the place from ana mazing woman then it went downhill.

crispytoast avatar
Crispy Toast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a Christian, but I know a couple pastors who would be better bosses than some of these "faith-based" companies. Then again, I know a couple more who would denounce their Grandmother if it made them more money, so, yah, red flag

wbryan1948 avatar
Wendy Bryan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care about stuff I can't control. I'd take this as a warning that I'd be hearing a lot of c**p. I guess I could wear noise cancelling headphones

triciaburcell avatar
Tricia Burcell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it isn’t like Jesus- it’s not Christian. That’s called hypocrisy.

taylor_hannah avatar
AgedViolet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked for 17 years at a church (and a born-again Christian), sadly that is all too true. Somehow the cross on the steeple is supposed to justify forcing you to do other people's work for them and be on call all day, even during your lunch break. If there's a special "project" in the works, don't look too hard for your cost-of-living increase. As most of the staff abandons the ship, if you're one of the last holdouts, expect to receive the "job evaluations," criticism about your "attitude," and to get written up for some non-existent transgression. Makes me grateful to be out of the job market. Every. Single. Day.

alexfreetime avatar
Alex Freetime
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no idea what religion has to do with a company. One is a personal belief the other is work, if someone can't separate the two that's sign of a huge issue indeed.

mccoy_candace avatar
Candace Mccoy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep worked for one of those. No raises because the company was “not making money”. But they took a 3 week family cruise, bought the grandson new Chevy Tahoe for HS graduation, the director is the director, Son in law no one knew his job, one of the grandkids w las in charge during summer break at age of 19. I set myself up to get fired during Covid just to get unemployment because I was sick of them. Company eventually went under when the whole family got sick.

steven47 avatar
Steven Livingston
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any time I see a jesus fish in a company logo or on a company vehicle, I know to never trust them in any way. They feel the rest of us are hell-bound sinners & they're thus completely cool with screwing us over as hard as they can.

gbtyteam avatar
GBTY Team
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love when people will pile on Christianity yet have nothing bad at all to say about Judaism or Islam. Oh yeah, that's 'not allowed'.

kaitiyoder avatar
Kaiti Yoder
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the other religions were forcing their beliefs on others and being openly hateful while trying to pass laws based on only their idiotic beliefs, they too would get talked about. They aren't that full of themselves or as bigoted usually though.

Load More Replies...
aconcernedcitizen avatar
A Concerned Citizen
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a man I will NEVER NEVER NEVER EVER AGAIN (!!!) work in a store or location that is completely dominated by women....I've been divorced three times..all amicably....BUT the s**t I've seen and heard and WITNESSED by working alongside a female heavy environment would literally make me soul SICK..... UN F****N BELIEVABLE. These post Wall miserable women all they talked about was food, reality TV, diet fads and how to cheat, connive and manipulate men (jewelery store customers) into relinquishing their assets..... They weaponized their allure (or what shred were left of it) to entice customers male and female into thinking that they were best of friends etc etc and these stupid idiot customers ate it up actually thinking these sales whores actually liked them.... I actually got so fed up and WALKED OUT mid day without saying a word and never looked back ... I landed a better job afterwards. Thank you God. Guys..NEVER date a salesWHORE !

johnanderson avatar
John Anderson
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

That's an awful blanket statement. It can be true be isn't the rule. The last company I worked for was that way. The owner, who claims to be Christian, (he purchased company after I'd been there 5 years) is the devil's henchman. Which is why I left. The company I work for now lives that claim. But doesn't go around bragging, "Look at me! Look at me!" Ouch (to the down votes) Haters going to hate

spaich711 avatar
Stephanie Paich
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is really offensive, just a largely untrue blanket statement. Can you imagine if someone said this about any other group? A black run company? An LGBT run company? People would be furious!

wedgeantilles_1 avatar
Wedge Antilles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cry about it Stephanie, Christians have done more persecution of others than they've been persecuted themselves so this mild statement is just a truth if anything. All the d*cks I've met in life have generally had Christian bumper stickers and crosses all over their hats and laptop cases.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

"Must be a self-starter" = We won't train you.

"Fast-paced environment" = We will overwork you.

"Must be able to multitask" = We fired three people and want you to do all their jobs.

captainmagictrousers Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredpanda_34 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right person could get quick promotion = Kiss the right a*s and we may give you a pay rise. Maybe.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job When the mournful eyed Filipina janitor bumps into you as you walk towards the restroom, slipping into your pocket a hastily scrawled note that says "you leave, is no good for you here".

anon , Oliver Hale Report

Add photo comments
POST
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If that ain't a sign to hightail it outta there, I don't know what is.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job I once interviewed for a company that said they'll be holding onto my passport and my university degrees as long as I work there.

While I had heard of such instances, I also knew it's against the law.

tiinn , Porapak Apichodilok Report

Add photo comments
POST
shaunlee avatar
SheamusFan1987
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's illegal. No one should hold on to your personal ID and qualification papers. Just NOPE and report them after you walk out.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#5

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job While waiting in the lobby for my interviewer to come out, a man flung the work area door open as he was screaming and literally sobbing about the place being worse than hell. It was like a red flag factory exploded in my face.

lorinisapirate Report

#6

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Not subtle at all - I went for an interview for a job that I was already doing with 5 years experience, with excellent reviews and even a recommendation from my current employer. It was a panel interview and as soon as I walked in one of the interviewers walked out to the parking lot. He comes back and goes "how do you plan to work this job with two kids still in car seats?" I told him he was asking an illegal question and was being straight up sexist and inappropriate. I knew right then that I wasn't taking the job.

anon , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Add photo comments
POST
spoot avatar
Nimues Child
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kudos for pointing that out and letting him know that such attitudes are not okay!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job One place my wife interviewed asked her if she had any kids or planned on getting pregnant soon.

Both questions are illegal to ask during an interview.

Redsox933 , Pixabay Report

Add photo comments
POST
tiinabender avatar
Iifa A.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got told at 27 why am I applying for a job that requires to be on call and 50-60hrs hands on work. I should be thinking of kids and finding myself a good man. Oh I answered in very detailed description.of.multiple miscarriages I have had, with blood transfusion and how my partner and I made a choice not to take any risks to my life. Then I left and reported him, while walking out I loudly complained on the phone every detail. Pretty sure by the time I left premises everyone knew what an a*****e SHE was. She looked younger than me, why was she there.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job I had an interview where the guy said "we - we work hard here. I'd like to say we play hard, too, but.. we work hard here".

Then, later on when I asked about what happened to the predecessor "he left. Unfortunately, he took on a little too much, became unhappy and left. He's taking some time off before he decides whether he wants to stay in IT or not."

So you overworked a guy to the point where he decided he needed a new career?

renegadecanuck , Lukas Report

Add photo comments
POST
loop1 avatar
Circa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If an employer said they "play hard", I would be put off working there. Don't want a partying culture at work.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Had an interview with a store owner once when I was in high school. Guy threw a pad of paper across the table at me and told me to list out my values.

The values of an 18 year-old. Applying for a job as a cashier at a sporting goods store. Uhhh, what?

Jotted some stuff down and he then proceeded to tell me why all my values were wrong.

"Family is great, but God is greater. God should be top of your list."

"School is only good if you get to work in your field."

"Work ethic? I'm just going to assume you don't know what that is."

"You definitely don't know what love is, so don't list your girlfriend anywhere in your values."

He then told me that I'd be less than minimum wage as a Trainee for as long as he saw fit to call me that and how that was completely and totally legit.

Promptly Noped the f**k outta there.

Aramil03 , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

#10

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job If they say, "It's like a family here", they mean "the drama is unbelievable and yes, it gets very personal".

vengeance_pigeon , krakenimages Report

Add photo comments
POST
campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'it's like a family here' translation: we are anti-union and culty about it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Applied for a Guitar Tech job at guitar center. Went through three levels of interviews. Right during the last one, this f*****g dude, goes through all my paperwork and is like "you got the job, we're gonna start you off in sales." And I was like "I didn't apply for sales, I've interviewed the last three weeks for the Guitar Tech position." An he just said, "I know." And had this sh*tty stupid smile on his dumb face. And that's when I realized, they probably don't care for their employees there.

willislol , Méline Waxx Report

Add photo comments
POST
guidopisano avatar
Guido Pisano
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had an enterview for java developer, and when interview was almost over they told me that job position was for credit recovery. When I realized I stood up and went away...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

I had an interview at a popularly known coffee shop that is orange, pink and brown.

I have a Engineering degree but couldn't find work in my area (it's a poor town and it's hard enough to find work without a degree).

The manger asked some of the following?

"Why don't you have an engineering job yet?" "Something must be wrong with you."

I explained the market and how a lot do my friend still didn't have jobs (which was true). I said I'd had a lot of interviews but nothing had resulted in an offer (which was also true).

"Well I think something is wrong with you and you are hiding it."

Well thanks...



She then proceeds to tell me if I have any form of anxiety I can't work there as I won't be able to complete my duties so to fess up. (I do have anxiety but 1.)I don't have to disclose that s**t and 2.)it's very very mild and I know it wouldn't impede me).

Lastly she tells me how she is going to be firing everyone that works there over the next month because they all suck.


She offered me the job, I accepted at the moment and was supposed to go in the next day to fill out my paperwork. I went home and stressed about how I knew I would be miserable there and what to do. I decided to decline it as my health and wellbeing were more important than this job. I sent a very nice email stating that it wasn't the right fit for me at the moment.

The next morning I received an offer from an Engineering company I interview at earlier in the week.


Apparently she still complains about how I decided to decline the job....

mcguik3 Report

Add photo comments
POST
campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this place has the WORST interviewers i swear. Had a similarly horrific interview experience with them once....

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#13

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job If to move forward in the hiring process you have to pay them for anything

OkaySeriouslyBro , Karolina Grabowska Report

#14

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job I've only had a couple bad job experiences when I was younger and they both had one thing in common: They made me wait for 15+ minutes to start after the scheduled interview time.

If they don't respect you and your time before you start, they definitely won't respect you when you're working there.

Now that I've been on the other side and interview people, I would never even think of doing that, no matter how busy I am. I also personally call every employee I don't hire, explain why they weren't the perfect fit, and try to give them some positive encouragement going forward.

BOTTOM LINE: Just because you are the one looking for a job, doesn't mean that the potential employer shouldn't be courteous and treat you just as well as they treat a client/customer.

EDIT: Call back only people I've interviewed, not anyone who has ever sent a resume in.

anon , Edmond Dantès Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredpanda_34 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once got screwed around by a company during an interview. I turned up 10 mins early for the interview. No-one knew why I was there. An hour later they found the guy that had invited me in. He had forgotten to put it in the diary, then gone to the dentist. When he turned up, about 2 hours after the interview was supposed to be. He handed me a handful of papers, saying "do this test and get it back to us". I let him have it both barrels, dropped the papers in the bin and walked out. Since then I have had recruiters constantly trying to send me to the same company as they are almost always recruiting due to not being able to hold onto staff.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Baker here, on my first day I was given a potted tree, I was told to plant it, if I was still baking when it got big enough to hang myself off, I should, because this is not the job you want for the rest of your life.

Jacob-Black , Vaibhav Jadhav Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

I told this tale, just the other day in response to a different question so, enjoy your duplicate post.

A company emailed me that they found my resume on Monster and were very interested in meeting to discuss an opportunity in their office and would I be available this Thursday at 10 am to meet with Scott?

Absolutely!

So, I show up at 10am. A girl rides up the elevator with me and gets off at the same floor. We both walked into the same door. The receptionist greeted us and the girl said, "I'm here to meet with Scott."

I thought, "Well, that's a little weird but, maybe she's super early."

The receptionist looks at me and, I said, "I'm also hear to meet with Scott. I have a 10am."

She escorted us to this conference room where I see 30 other people. Now my alarms are starting to go off. She tells us to find seats and watch the presentation. Scott will be in shortly.

So, sitting there in silence for 15 minutes before I finally lean over to the girl and ask, "What job are you interviewing for?"

She answered, "I'm... I'm not entirely certain."

I asked, "Well, what's on your resume? What job did you think you were being offered?"

She answered, "I'm a mechanical engineer. You?"

"I'm a software developer."

So, another 5 minutes goes by when Scott walks into the room. He's super excited to see us and this presentation will take about an hour. He's asking people their names and making an effort to use their names whenever possible as he's handing out copies of the power point slides. Tells us that we can take notes.

I start flipping through the slide deck and notice right away that all the slides are either blank or otherwise devoid of content. They might have a title on them but, the title is just words. No explanation whatsoever. Things like, 'Company History' and 'Compensation' but otherwise empty.

He tells us that there will be time after the presentation to ask questions but, in order to get done before lunch, he requests that all questions are held to the end of the presentation.

"Scott," I said, "I do have a quick question before we get started."

"There will be plenty of time after the presentation for all questions."

"Scott, I promise that this question will be quick and very relevant. Are all the positions available commissioned insurance sales?"

"Well, we are an insurance company."

"That's not what I asked, Scott. Are all the positions available commissioned insurance sales?"

"Well, yes."

I stood up and gathered up my resume and folder and said, "Thanks for wasting my time, Scott." And, I walked toward the door.

Scott rushed to beat me to the door and opened the side closest to me causing me to pause briefly. As I did, I heard a great deal of grumbling and paper shuffling behind me. I turned to look and literally everybody in the room except for 4 dudes in three-piece suits at the front of the room had stood up at their tables and were putting their s**t in their briefcases and notebooks.

I exited quickly enough that I got the elevator to myself but, looking back on it, I should have waited because I definitely want to know what their elevator conversation was.

roman_fyseek Report

Add photo comments
POST
campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME OMG!!!! was is the duck. it was the duck wasn't it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job They wanted me to explain my tardiness stats from high school.

I'm in my thirties.

Blinkskij , Marius Mann Report

#18

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job One that I've experienced- they asked me to start immediately.

"When can you start"?

"Tomorrow!"

"How about right now, we're way behind." *Thanks for joining the crew of the Titanic! Watch your step, she's listing about twenty degrees to starboard, but a finer luxury liner has never sailed the seas.*

GreenStrong , Mimi Thian Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yeah, I've had this one. Lol. The agency sent me over for the interview, interviewed at 9am, was asked to start at 10am, opted to start the next day. It was my first real job so I was excited. It was a bit hellish but I met some good people (still really good friends) who were also on the sinking ship lol

View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job When they mention the high turnover rate several times during the interview.

anon , Van Tay Media Report

#20

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Been through man job interviews, a few I've seen

* A "hostile" interview in which the interviewer deliberately acts difficult and challenging to see how you behave under pressure. If they're willing to treat you like s**t during the interview, they're willing to treat you like s**t at work.
* Never interviewing with your future boss. It's okay for early interviews to be screenings with HR, but at some point you should talk to people you're going to working with; a failure here indicates that they aren't investing much in you, and don't expect you to stick around very long.
* Vagueness in describing the job. If they can't tell you what your day-to-day is like, you probably won't like it.

The interview process with my current job, which I love, went like this:

1. Got a call from HR to set up a phone interview
2. Phone interview was with one of the two managers who run the department I would be working in (though not the manager I would be working for)
3. In person interviews with:

* The manger I would be working for
* His boss
* Managers of two different departments that I would be working closely with
* HR manager
* Going out to lunch with the team I would be joining

So, if you have an employer that does that...it's a good sign.

Notmiefault , Yan Krukov Report

Add photo comments
POST
andy_harding avatar
badger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that would be a red flag for me - too many interviews, terrible decision-making processes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job If you can you assess the coffee situation while moving through the office for interview.. Powdered creamer? Run. Liquid creamer in numerous flavors? Work there till death or retirement.

2ftUSBcable , Fallon Michael Report

#22

If they say that over time is expected. That just means they are under staffed and you will be putting a lot many hours you are not getting paid for.

Dexteroid Report

#23

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Hostile interviewers. I had an interview years ago, where they had a good cop, bad cop routine going. The good cop asked me about my hobbies, and seemed interested. The bad cop, scuffed and rolled his eyes.

anon , Anna Shvets Report

#24

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Anything that implies that you'll be doing sales/cold calling. I once applied for a "Marketing Strategist" position that required a degree and slowly figured out that I would be cold calling people to sell them stuff they probably didn't want. Sorry but unless you're basically a sociopath, sales/cold-calling is an absolutely awful, soul crushing and highly stressful line of work that very few people can be successful in.

Be wary of vague job titles involving Marketing. Marketing offices are usually in nicer buildings as well, and not strip malls in an industrial park.

Protodeus , Scott Graham Report

Add photo comments
POST
campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

cold-calling even if you AREN'T selling things is soul-destroying. Never work in a job where you're the 'Bad Guy', you'll regret it or you'll lose your humanity.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

When the person interviewing you is the person whose job you'll be taking, and they're quitting because the job sucks.

This comment is oddly specific, but I'm currently interviewing candidates to take over my job. It's a real ethical dilemma, encouraging someone to take the job I'm leaving due to dissatisfaction, but I tell myself that they may enjoy it better than I have.

anon Report

Add photo comments
POST
loop1 avatar
Circa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not necessarily. Might be retiring, getting a promotion, moving to a different city, etc

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#26

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job Group interviews. Seriously what a dumb idea. I think Walmart and a few others do this

Tassimo1 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Add photo comments
POST
nancycollins_1 avatar
Nancy Collins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a split second I thought they were talking about panel interviews and was like, "Oh, but that's quite normal!" In case anyone else had that moment of confusion: Group interview: Multiple people being interviewed at once; for sure a red flag. Panel interview: Multiple people taking turns asking questions; intimidating, but not a red flag

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

When they ask you to stand up and do a slow turn for them, then tell you you're only allowed to wear short shorts. (Was not for a strip club).

Kittycata-tonic Report

#28

If interviewing with a large corp and you notice the office flooring/cubes/desks all look old and worn.

If it is a large corporation they normally can afford to update the carpet once in awhile. The fact they do not bother shows that management is too cheap to care about the environment they provide to their employees.

If your management does not care about the how the carpet/cube/desk in your work environment they sure as hell are not going to value you.

anon Report

Add photo comments
POST
mstohr-z avatar
Mtownmick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Small business consultant here. If I walk into a company and all of the furniture is forty years old, so was the success of the company.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

They mention their employees must wear "many hats".

Pat_5Oh Report

Add photo comments
POST
m-william-bell avatar
M. William Bell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think one is highly dependent on the role. Many of us actively seek out roles where one can wear many hats. I often find myself working in startups and other small businesses that require someone to be adept in many different areas. In time, we will hire for all the roles, but in the early days, you simply can’t have that many bodies on payroll. Taking these rolls allows me to continue to grow my skill set, shape the direction of a fledgling business and, in some cases, either become and early investor in businesses that I see potential in, or I can negotiate a stock grants or options in exchange for other considerations on my end. For context, I’m not a business guru or an MBA. I’m a 40 year old high school dropout with a strong work ethic and a desire to learn (and no, the irony of that last sentence is not lost on me).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

30 People Share Subtle Red Flags During A Job Interview That Indicate You Shouldn’t Take The Job I once interviewed with a company and they had a paper that showed the breakdown of how all the shifts reported. It was basically a flowchart with names... And start dates for their employment. Only one name had been there longer than a year.

Edit:

Also, this job was for a company (in the DC area) that makes RAM. I was interviewing to be an electronics technician responsible for the robots that handle the semiconductor material while it is in the clean room.
Edit 2: The name that had seniority there had a start date in 1998, and my interview was 2011.

Clickum245 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Add photo comments
POST
emily-tennent avatar
Novel Idesa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I always ask an interviewer what the turnover rate for the position is. You can tell a lot by their response to that question. Sometimes they're straightforward about a high turnover, which is a red flag, but even worse is when they're cagey about it. If it throws them off, or they get defensive or stumble trying to come up with a lie, get out of there.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.