Interview Red Flags for a Developer

As a contractor I have undertaken a lot of interviews. I have been offended so many of times, you gradually develop a thick skin. If I have learned anything, when there is smoke there is fire. Bad behavior equals bad job 100% of the time. So when I see any of these red flags I walk.

We use AI, who codes anymore!

Bye Bye! you are looney tunes!

I don't mind AI, I use it all the time, but you still need to code. If you are not actively reviewing code an AI produces, or writing code, you are simply producing garbage. Your company does not have a future. I'm not wasting my time with you.

All skills no description!

Me: This seems like a match skill wise but can you tell me more about the job?

Employer: You are coding, what do you care!

I am a human being and what I do is important to me. As a developer the best I can hope for is that I am building something, unfortunately that is not always true. Some roles are purely fixing bugs, or customizing apps for customers.

See you later!

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

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

Regardless of the technical reasons, why do you want to look bad in front of your customers. Idiotic practice, I'm not working for you!

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. I also have health issues that impact my ability to travel. 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.

Its shameful it really is!

We need a background check before interview.

Its 2026 data theft is at record highs, and you are asking for background checks before we meet.

I speak for every job seeker when I say SOD OFF!

We decide what you will be doing not you

I spent 20k on a computing degree. I spent the last two decades refining my craft, so that I am the best that I can be. You sir, with no technical skills decide what I'll be doing?

Nope, bye bye!

We are hiring you so we can move the talented person to another project

As soon as this is said I pull the plug. I don't mind maintaining software, I do mind being told that I am a low value hire. You have poisoned the well and I have not even started.

An agent representing a consultancy

Every time this has happened I have been messed around. You literally don't know what you are applying for. Don't do it is my advice!

I once told a consultancy that I would not solely work on UI libraries, there needs to be a technical component. Both the agent and consultant assured me that would be the case. They then made a firm offer, then replaced it with a conditional offer when their client pushed back, at which point they sent me a job description labelled Senior UI Library Developer. The job I did not want was the job they were selling. Pulled the interview, got so much hassle from both the agent and consultant.

Black listed to this day, this happened over a decade ago.

MS Teams / Zoom no Cameras

If we are having an interview we are talking face to face. I'd much prefer to interview in person, but you have forced this reality on me. Fine but turn on your camera.

No I'm in a busy office, no worries lets not do it then. Seriously why would you think this is ok!