Trouble In, Trouble Out: The Red Flags of Talent

My friends in recruitment have often heard me say "trouble in, trouble out".  It's a phrase I use every time I hear about a candidate who revealed a red flag and yet are still under consideration.  It's true that "love is blind" and things are no different in the interview courtship.  Unfortunately, ignoring some of these warning signs can mean tough times and even terminations down the road:

The Standup: A regular interview mishap is when the candidate is late or a no-show.  Most times, traffic or miscommunication are to blame, but not always.  In the event that a candidate lacks a solid explanation, I urge you to end the relationship then and there - trouble in, trouble out.  Let me put it to you in dating terms.  If someone is genuinely interested in dating you, they will plan ahead, show up on time, and call you if anything gets in the way.  Period.

The Diva: Everything's going smoothly, they love you, you love them.  The role is exactly what they've been looking for and the offer is spot on.  They just have one small request, or two, or seven . . . STOP!  You've just had a close call with a diva - trouble in, trouble out.  Divas start out as impressive candidates, but once they feel they have you hooked, they begin to reveal their sense of self worth in the most unpredictable ways.  If they're asking you to make sure the light bulbs in their office are never more than 30 days old, it's time to get management to reconsider. 

The Puffer Fish: This should be so clear-cut, but too often, it isn't.  HR professionals . . . please . . . if a candidate lies to you, let them go - trouble in, trouble out.  Candidates . . . please . . . DON'T LIE.  If you want to make sure you're getting the best offer, provide three data points: 1) what you make; 2) what you think you're worth; and 3) what you won't take less than.  Do that, and any recruiter worth their salt will get you the best offer possible.  Don't lie about responsibilities either.  You will be hired and promptly fired when management realizes you can't do any of those lovely things on your resume.

The Elitist: When a candidate is peaches and cream with your CEO, but rude to his/her Administrative Assistant, they're not the kind of person you want leading by example - trouble in, trouble out.  All people deserve to be treated with professionalism and respect, regardless of level.  Anyone who behaves differently should look elsewhere for employment.

The Bait-and-Switch: Ambition is awesome.  Thinking about the future is a positive action.  Asking a Recruiter to commit to a future promotion before you've been hired is not.  If someone says they're interested in a position and then quickly begins assessing when they'll be in a different one, it's time to part ways.  

So beware and be critical of shiny new talent.  Just as there are red flags in dating, there are red flags in recruitment and ignoring them can mean trouble out.