Embarking on the interview journey isn’t just about showcasing your talents; it’s a mutual exploration. Candidates aim for a fulfilling career move, while startups seek a motivated hire to propel their growth.

To ensure you’re on the right path, keep an eye out for these potential red flags:

1. Constant Rescheduling and Disorganisation: If rescheduling becomes a recurring theme or the process feels like a chaotic dance, it might signal a lack of respect for people. Consider stepping back if you have more than two reschedules.

2. Unstructured Interviews: Casual chats can be delightful, but they probably won’t provide the depth you need. Covering key role objectives, company culture, team dynamics, and the manager’s leadership style is essential. An unstructured process may indicate an inexperienced manager or a disorganised company. Just make sure you have all the information you need to make a decision.

3. Lack of a Two-Way Process: A healthy hiring process is a two-way steet. If the manager isn’t investing the time to explain the company and the role, it could hint at a top-down culture or inexperienced leadership.

4. Negative Chat About Others: Watch out for negative behaviour during interviews – it could be a window into an unhealthy company culture. Disrespectful comments about founders, team members or past colleagues are a warning sign.

5. Values Washing: Ensure the company’s stated values align with its actions and are more than just website decor. Ask for evidence of how these values are fostered and rewarded within the organisation.

6. Ever-Changing Job Specifications: While startup roles evolve, unclear job descriptions or constant changes can lead to confusion. If you are more seniot you may be able to assist the founder with ironing out the key deliverables but if you are more junior this can be more difficult. Ensure discussions about key deliverables align with your excitement and capacity to contribute.

7. Fluctuating Interview Processes: Changes in the interview process are normal, especially if there are more candidates at the final stage, and the hiring manager is struggling to make the final decision. Changes should be communicated clearly.  But sudden, unexplained alterations may signal a lack of organisational clarity or respect.

8. Lack of Vibes with the Hiring Manager: Feeling lukewarm or uninspired about the hiring manager may suggest future energy drains in the role. Seek a manager from whom you can learn and be inspired. Your gut feeling matters.

By staying vigilant for these red flags as you move through interviews, you gain valuable insight into the startup’s culture and environment. Interviews are opportunities for both parties to assess the fit. Recognising these red flags helps you determine if a startup aligns with your career aspirations and values, ensuring a better match for your future workplace.

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Who we are

Offering personalised, consultative service, at TableCrowd Talent we’re a specialist recruitment agency with our finger on the pulse of the startup and scaleup scene. We are committed to matching graduates, professionals, and C-level executives to exciting startup and scaleup jobs across London, the UK, and Europe.

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