Here is a list of 20 sample non-negotiable traits and behaviors that should be red flags for most job interviews. This list will help you start creating a list of your own, using warning signs for behaviors that clash with your company culture.   

1.  Could not look me in the eye. 

2.  Could not answer the most rudimentary questions succinctly and directly, but instead provided a wandering and vague “answer.” 

3.  Did not show up to the interview on time and appeared not to have a legitimate excuse. 

4.  During the first conversation/interview, asked about how many vacation days or work breaks were allowed. 

5. Did not know what the organization does and/or what the job function was. 

6. Bad-mouthed their current or last boss/employer. 

7. Exhibited a high degree of drama when discussing their current or past employment experiences. 

8. Moved very slowly and showed very little energy. 

9. Could not share an honest and candid response to the great interview question, “Please share the single greatest mistake you have made in your job in the last three years.”  

(Most new employees cannot take feedback. They think that they are perfect people and do not make any mistakes. Nine out of 10 people will either: share a mistake and promptly blame others for it or sit silently for minutes on end, not being able to think of anything they have done wrong–in three years!) 

10. Had inappropriate language or dress.  

11. Chewed gum / eating something during the interview. 

12. Displayed behavior that showed a lack of politeness, disrespect, or messiness.  

13.  Provided inconsistent and/or conflicting information or answers. 

14.  Looked at their cell phone, fielded a phone call or responded to a text during the interview. 

15.  Did not ask probing questions about the job or organization when afforded the opportunity and/or exhibited a general lack of curiosity about both. 

16.  Expressed weaknesses that clearly did not bode well for the job position (e.g. an introvert who prefers to work alone interviewing for a customer service position). 

17.  Clearly interviewed for “any job,” as opposed to showing passion for wanting to do THIS job.   

18. Did not send a post-interview thank you letter or follow-up in a timely manner.  

19.  Sent a post-interview message to follow up, but: it was generic and likely used for all job interviews; names were misspelled; grammar and writing skills showed cause for concern.  

20.  Was invited for a second interview or asked to provide follow up information, but did not respond in a timely manner.   

Create your own Non-Negotiable List to benchmark candidates against during the interview process. Use your list and make no exceptions, since the behaviors and actions are non-negotiable.  Trust me, it works. 

“Credit: This article is written by Kevin Sheridan, an Author, Speaker and Consultant, a leading voice in Employee Engagement and a New York Times Best Selling Author.“