During the job search, we know the importance of being well prepared – a crisp resume, on-point interview questions, clothing neatly pressed and a sense of confidence are all necessities. But as a job seeker, in addition to selling yourself, you also need to evaluate the opportunity in front of you. This includes acknowledging red flags that might arise during the interview process. Here are 15 warning signs to notice during your next interview.

1. The manager is not prepared for the interview.

Just as you prepare for an interview, so should the hiring manager. If he can’t be bothered to review your resume or remember your name, it could be a glimpse into how he treats the members of his team.

2. The manager can’t sell you on the job.

If the manager can’t give you good reasons to join the company, it could mean there are issues within the organization that are not necessarily apparent from an outside view. If he isn’t excited the about the role and company, it may be hard for you to be.

3. Post-interview feedback is painfully slow.

If you aren’t getting timely feedback post-interview, it could mean the company is not sure how they want to move forward with the role, or isn’t really concerned about you going off the market. Ultimately, responsiveness is an indicator to how the company treats its people.

4. The interview process is disorganized.

The way a company handles its interview process is indicative of the way the company runs its business. If the interview process is disorganized, the company may be as well.

5. The interviewer is late.

Showing up late to the interview displays a lack of respect for the process and the person being interviewed. Of course, there are legitimate reasons for being late, but if the interviewer is tardy without much of an apology, it’s a red flag.

6. The person who previously held the job didn’t hold it for long.

If the person previously in this role didn’t last very long, it may be something to note. While many factors could be at play – if the person was fired, it could mean the manager may not be adept at hiring. If he or she quit, maybe the job didn’t turn out to be how it was advertised.

7. The hiring manager can’t give you a good reason why the last person left.

A manager’s rapport with her employees is a key indicator to how the team functions in the organization. There really isn’t any reason why a manager should be in the dark about why someone left. If she doesn’t know, it could mean she’s afraid to tell you or completely out of touch. Neither reason bodes well for you taking the job.

8. The manager is vague regarding what the job entails.

Any good manager knows exactly what the role entails. If there is vagueness when discussing the responsibilities of the role, he may be unsure what you’re going to be doing. Or, he might be afraid you won’t like the work.

9. The company tries to lowball you on salary.

While trying to do right financially by the company is understandable, when a company isn’t willing to pay you what you’re worth, they may be showing their lack of regard for individuals in the organization.

10. The interviewer isn’t polite.

If a manager isn’t able to be polite during the interview, chances are she won’t be when you work for her.

11. The interview process is unprofessional.

The interview process is indicative of the way the company is run. If you feel the meetings were unprofessional, there is a very strong chance the company is, too.

12. The company’s business model doesn’t make sense.

You want to work for a company that will be in it for the long run. If their business model seems unfeasible or doesn’t sit right with you, you may need to go with your gut and pass on the role.

13. The company is shrinking in a good economy.

The ideal company is one that is thriving and offers a quality service or product. If the company is downsizing during a steady economy, it’s worth considering what might happen when the economy takes the opposite turn.

14. There are many empty cubes and it’s not because people are working remotely.

If you choose to interview in person, and the office is looking pretty empty, ask why. It’s one thing if the company has a progressive work from home policy, but if they are going through a lot of layoffs, it could mean your role will be short-lived, too.

15. The manager tells you all the furniture in the company is for sale and asks you if you’d like to buy some.

If the company is not Jordan’s Furniture, be very concerned.

While any of these red flags alone may not indicate a problem, a few stacked up definitely will! Pay attention to what’s happening during your job search. If you notice any of these red flags throughout the process, don’t ignore them.

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