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Job interviews are often portrayed as one-sided interrogations—where the employer evaluates your experience, your attitude, and your potential value to the company. But here’s a hard truth many candidates forget: you should be interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.
One of the most critical people you’ll interact with during the hiring process is the hiring manager. They will likely be your direct supervisor or someone you’ll work with closely, which means their leadership style, communication habits, and level of professionalism will have a direct impact on your day-to-day experience.
Unfortunately, a bad hiring manager can turn even a dream role into a nightmare. That’s why it’s crucial to identify red flags early—before you sign an offer letter.
Here are eight red flags that the hiring manager may be a problem—and that you should think twice before joining their team.
1. They’re Distracted by Their Phone or Laptop
If a hiring manager is constantly checking their phone, replying to emails, or typing during your interview, they’re sending a clear message: you’re not their priority.
Yes, everyone is busy, and sometimes emergencies arise. But during a job interview—an event that should be focused, intentional, and respectful—being distracted isn’t just rude; it shows a lack of basic professionalism.
Worse, this behavior could hint at what working with them might look like. Imagine trying to have a one-on-one about your career development, a performance review, or even a quick check-in—only to have them constantly multi-tasking and disengaged. It’s not a good sign.
I had an interview with a hiring manager that was constantly checking messages on her iPhone during the interview. Didn’t think much about it, but in the end the manager didn’t care about the toxic work environment going on in the office. I ended up leaving for that very reason.
What to watch for:
- Constant glances at their phone
- Typing or messaging while you’re speaking
- Interrupting the conversation to take non-urgent calls or respond to emails
2. They’re Not Enthusiastic About Their Job
A hiring manager who seems burnt out, bored, or even indifferent when talking about their role or the team culture is waving a big red flag.
If they can’t speak positively—or even neutrally—about their job, that’s a bad sign. Leaders set the tone for their teams. A disengaged manager is often a symptom of a toxic or demotivating workplace.
I had an interviewed with a general manager and it was safe to say they didn’t care about the interview. They went directly to asking me if I had any questions for them. No questions about me or my work experience at all. I should have seen this as a red flag and never have accepted the position.
Ask yourself: If the person leading the team is this unenthusiastic, what kind of environment are they cultivating?
Signs to look for:
- Lack of excitement when describing the team or company
- Vague answers when asked what they enjoy about their role
- A “just here to get a paycheck” vibe
3. They’re Not Prepared for the Interview
When a hiring manager enters the room (or Zoom) clearly unprepared, it suggests more than poor planning—it indicates a lack of respect for your time.
Preparation isn’t just a courtesy. It’s a signal that they’re invested in the hiring process and take the growth of their team seriously. A hiring manager who hasn’t reviewed your resume, doesn’t know what role you’re interviewing for, or is clearly winging the conversation likely brings the same disorganization into team operations.
I had a few instances where the interviewer didn’t review my resume until the interview started. So they were basically reading my resume during the interview trying to think of questions to ask. If they are not ready then chances are they won’t be ready for you during real work.
What this could mean for you:
- Chaotic onboarding
- Lack of support or unclear expectations
- Poor communication on deadlines and priorities
Watch out for:
- Generic questions that clearly weren’t tailored to your background
- Confusion about what stage of the interview process you’re in
- Statements like “So… tell me again what role this is for?”
4. They Overbook or Rush the Interview
A rushed or overbooked interview can feel more like speed dating than a thoughtful conversation about your fit for the role.
It might start with: “Sorry, I only have 15 minutes,” or “Let’s walk and talk—I’m heading to another meeting.” While time constraints are sometimes unavoidable, a pattern of rushing or squeezing in interviews between meetings reveals that hiring is not a priority—and you may not be either once you’re on the team.
I experienced a hiring manager that didn’t show up to the scheduled interview. I was worried that I didn’t join the right zoom link and constantly messaging the HR team regarding the interview time. Apparently, they overbooked a meeting at the same time as the interview, so they requested to reschedule.
Good hiring managers make space to get to know candidates. They allocate time, listen carefully, and treat the process as a strategic investment. A manager who doesn’t do that may also not make time for their employees once they’re hired.
Red flags include:
- Interview shortened without explanation
- You’re interrupted so they can join another call
- They look at the clock constantly, signaling they’re pressed for time
5. They Change the Agenda at the Last Minute
If the hiring manager suddenly changes the agenda, cancels and reschedules multiple times, or shifts the focus of the interview without warning, it could mean the team is disorganized—or that the role itself lacks clarity.
Sometimes change is necessary, and flexibility is part of life. But when it becomes a pattern, it suggests that priorities shift frequently, planning is poor, and communication within the company is unreliable. That chaotic energy is likely what you’ll experience daily if you accept the job.
During an interview I was schedule to interview with only the CFO, but was caught off guard when they wanted me to speak with the controller. I wasn’t prepared for that as I always like to do research on the individual interviewing me so I can prepare questions in advance. Even worse the controller wasn’t prepared for the interview as she was told at the very last minute as well.
What to be cautious of:
- Agenda or panelist changes with no prior notice
- Last-minute cancellations or ghosting
- Lack of clarity around the next steps
6. They Have Unrealistic Expectations
Beware of hiring managers who outline a job that sounds like it should be performed by three people at once, or who list responsibilities that don’t match the job title or salary.
If their expectations sound unreasonable during the interview, it will only get worse once you’re onboarded.
Unrealistic expectations may also be a sign of poor boundaries, lack of support systems, or an overworked culture. It often reflects a company where burnout is common and work-life balance is a myth.
I worked for a few companies in the past that said we have to work weekends during month end close as that is pretty normal in Accounting industry. After a few month into the job I was basically working every weekend. I found out the hard way because management and my co-worker was working every weekend.
Key indicators:
- Phrases like “You’ll be wearing many hats” without a clear structure
- Expectations that you’re always available, even outside work hours
- A “we hustle here” mentality with no conversation about team wellbeing
7. They Seem to Think You’re Not Qualified—Even Though They Invited You
A strange (but surprisingly common) red flag is when a hiring manager spends the entire interview poking holes in your background, suggesting you’re underqualified for the role you were brought in to discuss.
Sometimes it’s subtle—”Have you really worked with this kind of scale before?” Other times it’s blunt: “You’re not the strongest candidate I’ve seen.”
If it feels like they’re trying to find reasons not to hire you rather than seeing how you might be a great fit, it may be less about you and more about them. It could mean:
- They didn’t review your resume properly
- There’s internal misalignment about the role
- They’re gatekeeping or using the interview to validate their own authority
This kind of dynamic can lead to a toxic work environment where you’re constantly being asked to prove your worth.
I’ve had an interview where the hiring manager felt I wasn’t qualified because I didn’t process a minimum of 500 invoices per month. Well, unfortunately prior the companies I worked for didn’t necessary need me to process 500 invoices per month, so therefore I was not qualified for the position.
Warning signs include:
- Constant skepticism about your skills or past experiences
- Questions laced with condescension or disbelief
- A lack of curiosity about your achievements
8. They Expect You to Know Everything—Instantly
It’s fair for hiring managers to ask technical or situational questions. But if they expect you to know everything on the spot, without any room for learning, growth, or even clarification, that’s a red flag.
The best managers understand that new hires will need onboarding, guidance, and time to ramp up. A hiring manager who acts shocked or disappointed that you don’t have all the answers might also be the kind of boss who sets impossible standards, offers little support, and blames their team for mistakes.
I had a recent interview with a controller that pretty much cut the interview short and told me that I don’t have the experience because I didn’t check mark everything listed on the job description. The controller was nice enough to insult me even more by offering lower position and as a temp employee.
Red flag behaviors include:
- No room for “I don’t know, but I can find out”
- Judging you harshly for asking questions or seeking clarification
- A rigid, black-and-white view of what a “qualified” candidate looks like
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut
During the interview process, it’s easy to overlook these red flags—especially if you’re eager for a new job or excited about the brand. But your manager will play a huge role in your job satisfaction, mental health, and career growth.
A bad hiring manager can turn a promising opportunity into a demoralizing experience. On the flip side, a good one can empower you, challenge you, and help you thrive.
So take note of the red flags, ask thoughtful questions, and—most importantly—trust your instincts.
Your future self will thank you.
What to Do If You Spot These Red Flags:
- Ask follow-up questions to clarify concerns
- Speak with other team members for a second perspective
- Reflect on how the interview made you feel
- Don’t be afraid to walk away from an offer if things don’t feel right
Remember: You’re not just trying to get hired—you’re trying to find the right fit. And that includes the person you’ll be reporting to every day.
