Igor Ranc

I made a list of things that can sink candidates in hiring processes. It’s straightforward and will help you find potential areas for improvement. If you recognise yourself in several points and wonder why landing a job is hard, this is probably why.

Previously, I made the same list for recruiters.

Here we go:

When they can’t commit or be consistent

  • Constantly cancelling interviews at the last minute with no consistent availability (also not suggesting an alternative or apologising if cancelling)
  • Trying to renegotiate terms after you’ve already agreed - shows they weren’t paying attention
  • Their resume, LinkedIn, and what they say in interviews tell three different stories
  • Juggling multiple processes poorly, so they can’t commit to reasonable timelines
  • Applying for jobs they’re obviously over- or underqualified for without any explanation of why

When they haven’t done their homework

  • Has no idea what the company does, despite it being a 30-second Google search
  • Can’t explain why they left their last few jobs in any coherent way
  • Asks questions that show they didn’t read the job description or do basic research
  • Salary expectations that are completely divorced from German market reality
  • Treats every interview exactly the same, regardless of the company or role

When they can’t communicate properly

  • Constantly interrupting or being unable to adjust their communication style to the situation
  • In an online interview constantly peeking somewhere like they are googling or discussing with a chatbot while interviewing
  • Sharing way too much personal information that has nothing to do with work
  • Using inappropriate language or tone in a professional setting
  • Not following up when the process clearly requires it, or following up inappropriately
  • Badmouthing former employers or colleagues extensively
  • Making the interviewer uncomfortable with comments about their appearance, personal life, or other non-work topics

When they can’t handle the basics/show won’t be realiable

  • Resume full of typos and formatting errors - if they can’t proofread one page, what else will they miss? (read this as well)
  • Having a bad audio, distracting background, or other tech issues (without explanation) that show they didn’t test their setup
  • Email address that belonged to 2003, not a professional context (like skaterboi_mike99@hotmail.com)
  • Camera off without a good reason when the role obviously requires video interaction
  • Showing up late without warning or explanation
  • Missing deadlines for take-home assignments without communication
  • Being unreachable for days when the process requires responsiveness

When red flags appear in their CV

  • Vague or inconsistent answers about what they actually did in previous roles
  • Job hopping with no coherent narrative (10 jobs in 5 years with no explanation)
  • Unexplained gaps and getting evasive when asked
  • Taking credit for teamwork as solely their achievement
  • Getting defensive when asked clarifying questions about their experience

What are we missing? Email me with your thoughts.

AuthorIgor Ranc

Founder of Handpicked Berlin — a weekly newsletter and community for Berlin professionals. Covering careers, salaries, startups, and Berlin life since 2020.