Bad signs/red flags during an interview

[Hillbeans]

*sigh* i've had 3 interviews just this week and i'm exhausted. Anyway, today was an interview that started off on sort of a weird note. I was in the elevator with the recruiter and in came one of her co-workers. They had a brief conversation in the elevator that went something like "I saw you working until 8 pm last night" with a return of "I've been stuck here working late all week".

Sooo.....is this a red flag or bad sign? I know people work late but two people who just happen to see each other working at 8pm at night? I just got a weird feeling that this may be the norm, and asked in a roundabout way if after hours hours are a responsibility of this position and was told a weak no. I would absolutely not pursue this role if it required OT as that is not what I am looking for with my DH's job and kid's schedules.

 

[bumbershoot]

I wonder if the other worker is a recruiter too. That would mean that the recruiters are working hard, but perhaps the other employees aren't having to put in OT. Only a problem if you're interviewing to be a recruiter.

Good luck!!!!!!!


I thought you were going to ask for examples of bad signs during interviews, and I was all ready to talk about when I started to CRY during an interview, but I guess that story isn't needed, LOL.

 

[clh2]

I would assume that HR recruiters often work "odd" hours.

My DH has had several phone interviews that take place on weeknight hours and on Saturdays. Now - if the first interview gives way to a 2nd interview, that is usually during business hours.

Hope this helps!

 

[mackeysmom]

Agree with the previous posters that recruiters often work odd/extended hours.

Just wanted to pass along good vibes goodvibes) from one job hunter to another

-- Laura

 

[Imzadi]

Ditto, maybe recruiters and supervisory positions have to work extended hours.

It could also be that OT is not "required," but if you didn't finish your work, it may be an unspoken "expectation" that people would volunteer to stay to get things done. hence, the weak no.

 

[FireDancer]

Sooo.....is this a red flag or bad sign? I know people work late but two people who just happen to see each other working at 8pm at night? I just got a weird feeling that this may be the norm, and asked in a roundabout way if after hours hours are a responsibility of this position and was told a weak no. I would absolutely not pursue this role if it required OT as that is not what I am looking for with my DH's job and kid's schedules.

Actually I was thinking the exact opposite. If the norm was to work that late then why would they bring it up as it was unexpected.

Depending on the job OT might be project dependent. I am the Information Systems Coordinator for my company and while OT isn't normal it is inevitable when certain projects are coming to completion or upgrades have to be done after hours. It really isn't that bad but if you were in on a Monday after a big weekend upgrade you might get the impression we sleep there all the time, instead of only occasionally (thank God for being hourly on those days!).

 

[bumbershoot]

Actually I was thinking the exact opposite. If the norm was to work that late then why would they bring it up as it was unexpected.

Ooh, good call.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks for the advice - I just got one of those feelings and didn't want to commit myself to something that I felt had unwritten expectations of working late. The role is of an Executive Admin. nature but the majority of the positions I am looking at are Part Time, Temp or Temp to Perm.

I had an interview a few weeks ago where the Manager i'd be assisting told me he is a workaholic and all he does for fun at nights and weekends is work. I knew from experience that would mean i'd be getting calls or doing work on off hours or be slammed every morning. I did that sort of thing when I was single and didn't mind working 60+ hours a week, but not at this point in my life with young kids.

 

[java]

I went on an interview once where the interviewer started crying telling me about the long hours. When I saw the hovel that they worked in I didn't blame her. For her to be that frazzled meant it couldn't be a positive work environment. I turned down the job.

 

[pilotwife_02]

Maybe that's why they are interviewing/hiring? So they don't have to work those extra hours anymore

I know that where pretty much in my field of work (law) there will ALWAYS be circumstances where there will be late nights not matter where I work. I have worked in law firms and in-house. So it wouldn't bother me to hear it, but if it sounds unusual for the industry you were interviewing for, then I might shy away.

Good luck!