Interview Red Flags for a Developer

As a contractor, I have undertaken a lot of interviews. I have been offended so many times that I’ve developed a thick skin. If I’ve learned anything its when there is smoke, there is fire. Bad interview behavior equals a bad job 100% of the time. When I see these red flags, I walk.

We use AI, who codes anymore!

I don't mind AI; I use it all the time, but you still need to code. If you aren't actively reviewing the code an AI produces, or writing the core logic yourself, you are simply producing garbage. A company that thinks otherwise has no future in my opinion.

All skills no description!

Me: "This seems like a match skill-wise, but can you tell me more about the role?" Employer: "You're only coding, what do you care?"

As a developer, the best I can hope for is that I am building something interesting; unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Some roles are purely for fixing bugs or customizing apps for customers. If the work has no substance, I'm not interested.

We don't test our code, that's what testers are for!

If you aren't unit testing your code, you are fixing bugs live in front of the customer. I don't need that kind of stress in my life. It’s simply bad practice. Unit tests (white box) are not the same as user testing (black box); both are important for very different reasons.

Regardless of the technical reasoning, why would you want to look bad in front of your customers?

We need you to do a few tests before the interview.

I am always happy to do tests provided I know what I am applying for, so I need someone to answer my questions first. If you can't do that then I am not spending a couple of days of my life doing tests. A 10 minute phone call is all that is needed but employers even fight that inconvenience.

We need a background check before interview.

It's the mid 2020s; data theft is at record highs, and you are asking for personal background checks before we even meet? Definitely a hard no.

We decide what you will be doing not you

I spent $20k on a computing degree and the last two decades refining my craft so that I could be the best I can be. You with no technical experience or skills will decide what I do?

"We're hiring you so we can move the talented person to another project."

When someone says this in an interview, I simply don't take the job if offered. I don't mind maintaining software, but I do mind being told I am a "low-value" hire. You've poisoned the well before I've even started.

MS Teams / Zoom no Cameras

If we are having an interview, we are talking face-to-face. I’d much prefer an in-person interview, but the universe has forced this reality on us. Fine, but turn on your camera. If you don't, you aren't "real" to me. I'm not taking that risk.