Hiring Smart by Spotting the Right (and Wrong) Signs

Career breaks are normal, but multiple unexplained gaps in a candidate’s work history could signal instability or past employment issues.

Always ask for clarification during interviews to understand the context behind these gaps.

A resume filled with buzzwords and generic descriptions without concrete achievements can be a red flag. Strong candidates provide specific details about their contributions, such as measurable results and successful projects.

Look for patterns that suggest instability.

If a candidate has changed jobs every few months without a clear career progression, it might indicate a lack of commitment, adaptability issues, or trouble working in team environments.

Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies on a resume can reflect poorly on a candidate’s professionalism and work ethic.

If they fail to proofread their job application, they might not be meticulous in their role either.

Ensure the candidate’s skills align with the position’s demands.

An overqualified candidate might see the role as a temporary solution and leave as soon as a better opportunity arises. On the other hand, an underqualified applicant may struggle to meet job expectations.

If a candidate’s resume lists skills that don’t align with their past roles, it could be a case of keyword stuffing—a tactic used to bypass applicant tracking systems (ATS) without real expertise.

Be sure to verify their actual competencies during interviews.

Checking references and reviewing a candidate’s online footprint can provide valuable insights into their professionalism and work ethic. Negative feedback from past employers or inappropriate social media behavior should not be ignored.