Interview Red Flags: Which Are Real Knock-Out Factors?

Here are several common "red flags" and tips on how to make the right decision:

1. Job Hopping

According to one CareerBuilder survey, 43 percent of hiring managers will toss out a resume that shows evidence of "job hopping," or staying only a few months with each employer before moving on to the next. Traditional wisdom insists that job hoppers are fickle, don't have a strong skill base, or simply cannot be trusted. After all, if they left their previous three employers after a few months, who's to say you won't be the next one?

In this case, the (near)-majority is wrong. In the recent volatile job market, job hopping can just as easily indicate a "rising star" who masters a position quickly and is offered an advancement opportunity by a competing company -- one their "current" employer simply can't match.

Find out whether the candidate falls into this category before saying "no thanks!" Added benefits of working with former job hoppers include their adaptability, broad professional networks, and the firsthand knowledge of your industry (including competitors) they bring to the table.

Create a culture that values advancement and initiative, and you'll be able to reap the benefits of a long-term relationship with a former job hopper.

Learn More: How Employers Can Avoid Professional Ghosting

2. Online Degrees

Coursework completed online has picked up a bad reputation, thanks to the worst offenders in the online degree business: Those "diploma mills" that simply issue a piece of paper to anyone who has the cash to pay for it.

But not all online degrees are so easy to obtain. Many programs provide the same academic rigor as a brick-and-mortar classroom, giving candidates the same skills and experience they need to flourish within the walls of your business.

Whether a candidate comes with an online degree or a more traditional credential, ask the same questions:

• What courses did the candidate take? What work did they complete within those courses? How do they apply to your specific hiring needs? A degree alone doesn't guarantee the candidate is prepared to work within your company's structure and culture, no matter who granted it.
• Did the candidate complete any internships, work-study, or employment while taking classes? What skills and accomplishments achieved in these settings apply to your specific hiring needs?
• What credibility, certifications, or accreditations does the granting institution have? This information can provide insight into the academic rigor and level of achievement expected.

3. (Seemingly) Under-qualified Candidates

Every hiring manager has fielded a resume from at least one bright, enthusiastic, motivated candidate who lacks the experience demanded by the job posting.

Hiring these candidates isn't an automatic failure. In fact, it might be the best success you've made in hiring this year. According to a recent Leadership IQ study, only 11 percent of new employees fail on the job because they lack task-specific skills. Eighty-nine percent overcome this lack of skill with motivation to learn, a willingness to accept instruction and correction, and the ability to adapt to the stress of a steep learning curve.

An initially under-qualified candidate who is nevertheless committed to learning stands a good chance of becoming your next superstar. With no "unlearning" to do, they're ready to tailor their work to the methods your company uses for success -- and with a keen sense of "beginning behind the starting line," they're more likely to do whatever it takes to perform well.

When To Lower The Red Flag

An initial sense of caution is natural when facing a potential job hopper, a candidate with an online degree, or someone who appears under-qualified. Here's how to decide whether the candidate is potential star material before you make the mistake of passing them by:

• Job Hoppers - Ask why they've left their most recent job or jobs. If the candidate moved up, or moved to a place with a better cultural fit, ask about their career goals and the contexts in which they do their best work to determine whether your company can keep offering a similar culture.
• Online Degree Holders - Delve into their coursework and scholastic accomplishments to see if they match your specific hiring needs. Consider asking behavioral interview questions, such as "Did you handle ___ in your coursework? What did you do?" These questions provide insight into how the candidate tackled the problem in the past, which can help you determine how they will do on the job.
• Under-Qualified Candidates - Look for candidates who stress a love of learning, and look for resumes and references that support this claim. Candidates who willingly took continuing education classes, who recently started a brand-new hobby, or who made the leap from one industry or job to another likely offer the motivation and willingness to learn that will help them succeed.

When All Else Fails

Unsure whether a candidate is right for your company -- or how to improve the quality of your candidate pool? Talk to a staffing firm with a focus on your industry. Your staffing partner can help you find the best talent for your company's culture, goals, and specific needs.

Sparks Group is a nationally-awarded, certified-diverse staffing agency with proven experience in matching candidates to open positions. At Sparks Group, we take the time to understand our clients’ requirements to ensure the best fit for every position, every time. Contact Sparks Group to connect with qualified candidates in one of our areas of expertise, and improve your recruiting and staffing initiatives today.