25 Interview Red Flags That Scream “Toxic Workplace”, According To Netizens

When we go for a job interview, we usually give it our all to impress the company and secure the job. However, modern job applicants are becoming increasingly discerning about the opportunities they apply for. After several false starts with workplaces that don’t feel like a cultural fit, people in the employment market have learned to consider an organisation’s values, whether its policies are humane, and whether managers prioritise work-life balance.

In light of this, people online have been sharing job interview red flags that can reveal if a company has the potential to be toxic. Whether it’s an accidental comment made during the interview or the telling behaviours of other employees, Redditors are sharing the inadvertent signs that indicate whether a company is worth the time and effort of taking the job in the first place.

#1

Image source: Kdog122025, Natalia Blauth

One of my potential employers told me I had to shave my beard as it was “unprofessional.” I asked “do I look unprofessional,” in a full suit, tie, etc. “Um, uh no you don’t uh it’s just uh… company culture.”

Bullet dodged.

#2

Image source: DougOsborne, Getty Images

I once answered a few questions at an interview (as a record store manager) and their third question was “When can we schedule a lie detector test?” Of course, not being an idiot, and knowing that this is against state law, I jumped at the chance, just for the experience.

By the time it was over, they thought I was the unabomber.

#3

Image source: AegisToTheCrown, Tim Gouw

They insist the job “requires someone with a thick skin.”.

#4

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“You’ll occasionally need to help out with sales calls”

Translation: Your entire job will be sales calls.

#5

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“We like to hustle and not limit ourselves to regular office hours”

…NO THANK YOU.

#6

Image source: Throwaway03461

When they try to offer you a salary that’s lower than what they’re offering. Like, the job ad says $50k-70k, but they try to offer you $40k.

AND they try to justify it by saying you’re “not experienced enough.” Except you ARE experienced enough, you might even have more than enough experience.

#7

Image source: Much-East-9484, Kindel Media

As an HR person I’m gonna give you the best list you’ll ever find on when to run away from my job

I worked at Fortune 500 companies and in small Mom and pop shops. And worked with the EEOC and a Labor board commission on both sides. And I can tell you that if it’s a company that is trying to make money and even nonprofits, they are all the same.

1. We really like team players here.(they are going to take advantage of you.)

2. You were offered the job immediately to start tomorrow or that day.(no one else will put up with the bull c**p here and we need bodies.)

3. They do not post the job wage.(they’re trying to pay people less than what they can afford to.)

4. We have no wiggle room in our budget for salary.(that’s a lie because most people are afraid of confrontation and it works.)

5. They try to ask you how much you’re currently making before giving you an offer.(they are going to lowball you. And a company that doesn’t see your value from the beginning, never will)

6. We are like a family here.(they mean the dysfunctional a*****e kind.)

7. They beat and switch you for the job title and position available.(not only is kind of illegal. It shows integrity that’s going to continue on the.)

8. They are late to the interview interviews specifically the hiring manager.(this shows that the hiring managers are not communicating with HR properly or they don’t have time for interviews which means you’re training is also most likely going to be disc organized while you’re still accountable for everything.)

9. They ask you probing questions like what kind of music do you like to listen to?(if it’s a phone interview these questions to help them determine your race. And a potential discriminatory factor.)

10. They ask questions I’m related to the job like if you have a car (most people don’t know this is actually illegal. You’re only allowed to ask Job related questions as they directly relate to the job. Asking if someone has a car can be used as a discriminatory factor because cars are considered financial privileges. Always answer with I have reliable transportation, and if they ask you to elaborate, just reaffirm that I’ve always made it to where I need to go on time if you don’t have a car)

11. Any discriminatory or sexist question(this should go without saying)

12. Being the only person of your gender in the workplace.( this is usually the groundwork for a very biased situation or unfair treatment, and the worst part is that a lot of times when there are issues you get silenced because it turns into a boys or girls club. We’re outsiders are not believed. We’re taking seriously. I’ve worked in both fields and both men and women do it when they have a position of authority and power in the workplace.)

13. They start to ask you your availability outside of normal working hours that was not mentioned on the job description.(they’re trying to gauge your ability to work for free or overtime.)

14. They pushed back when you tried to negotiate your pay and even potentially pull the offer.(if this happens you 100% dodged the bullet. People that are not desperate for people don’t get offended with negotiating a salary or benefits.)

15. If the person giving the interview or the people around the building or in the building, looked depressed or look like they’re uninterested(this is an indicator of what you will look like I know what your life will be like working there)

16. Check their reviews on glass door prior to going to the interview.(most of them for our negative for every company because most people only leave a review when they’re angry, but it gives you an idea of what to potentially ask about in the interview.)

17. Ask them the average tenure of an employee at the company.(description idea of how long the average employee stays there because people usually don’t quit bad jobs. They quit bad management.)

18. Ask about promotion opportunities from within the company versus outside hires.( if they always hire management from outside the company just be aware that you’re probably going to never promote and will most likely need to find a new job if that’s your desire.)

19. Ask them what their favorite part about working at this job is.(if they’re direct response to this is PTO or a benefit and not an aspect of the environment or the job itself. It’s a form of escapism and it’s probably not a good sign.)

20. Anything more than two interviews( unless you’re interviewing for a position that makes six figures they’re just wasting your time. And most likely there is a different candidate that they’re wanting that they’re delaying for.)

21. Ask how many internal employees are applying for this position.(it gives you an idea of internal promotion as well as how desirable the position is as well as the likelihood of you getting the position.)

22. Any type of buzz words like synergy or vibe. (Just know you’re gonna be done with a lot of high school bull c**p.)

23. The personality and respect given by the people interviewing you (if they are narcissistic or pompous or anything of that nature don’t even bother because that’s most likely gonna be your manager and you’re gonna hate your job.)

24. We work hard and we play hard.(you were gonna be worked like a dog and then forced to go to a company gathering that no one but the managers wanted to go to where you’ll be forced to play games)

25. We’re getting it on the ground floor, we’re a start up or anything that sounds like they’ve just taken on a huge amount of business unlike what they’re used to.(you were about to be met with the most unorganized and chaotic environment that will not pay for even the therapy let alone the value you bring to the team or the stress of the situation.)

26. I think education is more valuable than experience even decades of it or they’re unwilling to change with the timeframe.( this is not always a bad thing but if you go to a place that’s still using paper for everything and it’s not a Government job nine times out of 10 they just never wanted to update technology which means they’re also gonna be using old practices and habits that no longer work.)

#8

Image source: Valleyguy70, NordWood Themes

I was at a group test for a company and the person flat out told us that we are not allowed to have personal cell phones at work. Okay but then they proceeded to tell us that if someone called to get a hold of us by calling the company that they wouldn’t pass on any messages.

I raised my hand and said I had a question. I asked them if someone called to let me know a loved one was in a serious car crash if they would let me know. He looked at me and said NO because I was there to work nothing else.

I stood up and started walking to the door, he asked me where I was going. I told him I am leaving, he was like we haven’t started the test yet. I looked him in the eye and was told that nothing is more important than family and if you won’t tell me if a loved one was in a crash then this is not a place for me.

As I was walking out there was a manager in the lobby, he asked me what was going on and I told him. He got upset and asked me to please stay and he will fix this. I said no thanks, if someone from HR tells you the job is more important than family I am done.

So technically I didn’t even have an interview even though they called me a couple times to come back and do the test. I told them I wasn’t interested both times and never heard from them again.

Edit: this was about 2002 or 2003.

#9

Image source: Creative-Invite583, Noah Silliman

Years ago, I had the worst job ever. I worked 80 hours a week for a narcissistic boss who delighted in pitting one employee against another. What I should have asked in the interview was, “how did this position open up”? I found out later that my predecessor had committed s*****e at work.

#10

Image source: mmarcish, Yacoub Ethmane

Went to a job interview where they 1) lost my resume and application 2) complained that “no one wants to work nowadays” while shuffling g through applications (while i’m sitting in the job interview) 3) hired me on the spot 4) rescheduled my first day three times and 5) sent me home on my actual first day because they didn’t do any of my paperwork and told me to come back tomorrow

I did not come back tomorrow.

#11

Image source: Next-Problem728, Paymo

When you walk into the office and you get a silent depressing feeling.

#12

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“Yes, we offer remote work” but with crazy conditions to unravel, e.g. everyone is expected to sit in a video call ALL DAY (muted but camera on). And the person interviewing you goes: “In the office my colleagues can see me through the glass walls, to me this feels no different.”.

#13

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When the job shouldn’t report to the ceo, But it reports to the ceo because he “likes to be hands on”.

#14

Image source: TastingTheKoolaid, Mina Rad

A lot, I mean A LOT a lot of questions about handling interpersonal drama. Like, A LOOOOOOOOOTTTTTT.

One or two, fine. Primary focus of interview? There’s some s**t going on there that is just not worth the stress.

#15

Image source: RexCarrs, Ahmet Kurt

Sales manager said that during our next interview he wants to see my customer list and how much business l will bring.

l got up, said no thanks, and left the interview never to return.

#16

Image source: alexannmarie, Yan Krukau

They say PTO is unlimited.

This means they absolutely have zero work life balance.

#17

Image source: dasuglystik, Antoni Shkraba Studio

When the interview is conducted by 4 separate hostile managers who dryly fire questions at you before you can finish answering the last question. “I’d gladly answer your question once I’m finished answering *her* question if I still thought I’d be interested in a position here. However, based largely on this interview process, I don’t believe that’s still the case. I can see myself out, thanks.” True story.

#18

Image source: thisisamansjob, Christina @ wocintechchat.com

“We are a highly dynamic, fast paced environment where we look for employees to take initiative.”

Basically they’re gonna throw you into chaos without any help or proper training.

“We’re family here.”

No, you leverage emotional blackmail to boost productivity and profits.

#19

Image source: Slab_Squathrust, Getty Images

“We’re like a family”

They badmouth one of their current employees to you

They say you have to buy anything from them or bring your own supplies “but you’ll be reimbursed”

They make you do any work for free as part of the interview process

They get weird about any clarifying questions you have

The interviewer does not speak the same language as you

They make any comments about your age or appearance.

#20

Image source: YounomsayinMawfk, Edmond Dantès

When they ask if I have any questions for them, I ask “what do you like about working here?” If they take too long to answer or can’t name anything, it’s pretty much guaranteed I won’t like working there.

#21

Image source: cgulash, Kaboompics.com

I was asked to review their company’s latest brand video highlighting their past year’s success, and all the great clients they worked with.

“Anything else you want to add?” I was asked after presenting my notes.

“That’s everything,” I said.

“So nothing else then,” the VP of the company asked.

I felt pressed so I called out a mistake in the video (which was on their site, as well as published online, and across TV/CTV): “There’s still filler text (Lorem Ipsum) in two spots I said.”

Their CMO stood up and swore at me, calling me a liar. I calmy asked them to play back the video and pointed it out.

VP nods.

CMO storms out.

I got a job offer 3 days later.

I declined it based on the temperature tantrum. Their HR Director was dumbfounded at my reason.

#22

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They hire you on the spot or seem super eager to offer you the role within a 10 min interview.

#23

Image source: Rypien_37, MART PRODUCTION

I arrived early for an interview and the secretary screamed “you’re late” upon seeing me when I was actually early (guess the other person bailed). Just shows you how you’ll be treated going forward.