1. What are some interview and resume red flags?
• A red flag during virtual interviews is when a candidate appears to be reading off a screen or frequently shifts their gaze. This raises suspicion that they may be using AI tools to answer questions.
• Showing up late or coming across as ill-prepared indicates a lack of professionalism or interest.
• If the answers to the questions are incomplete, vague or lack substance. This will signal inexperience or the inability to convey your skillset.
• If the candidate shows up disheveled and disinterested. This reflects poorly on the commitment or enthusiasm of the candidate.
• When the resume details are vague or lack context. For example, “increased sales by 52%” without specifying the original target, the product, or baseline sales—it leaves key achievements unclear.
• Failing to research the company they are applying for. This shows lack of effort, interest and preparation.
• A generic resume that doesn’t align with the qualifications, without any explanation, indicates a mismatch or a lack of effort to tailor their application.
2. What makes a candidate an “excellent candidate”?
• Prompt responses, confirmation of email invitations (whether it’s a pre-screen invite, interview invite, etc.).
• Showing up to the interview well-prepared, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the company.
• Taking the time to understand the role – this shows that they have done their research, they understand how their skills align with the role and they ask thoughtful questions.
• A polished demeanor – this demonstrates care and attention in both their communication and appearance.
• A friendly attitude and openness to answering questions, engaging in conversation, and discussing next steps. A warm demeanor leaves a lasting impression and makes the conversation more memorable for both sides.
3. What are your thoughts when you see an unemployment gap?
A gap in employment is not an immediate red flag, as there is often a valid reason. This is where a cover letter becomes important—it provides an opportunity to explain those gaps. The red flag arises when a candidate is vague or cannot provide a reasonable explanation.
In today’s job market, employment gaps are common and often due to pursuing education, extended vacations, geographic relocations, or leaves of absence. The key is for candidates to provide a clear and honest explanation for the gap on their resume.
4. Do recruiters still want to see a cover letter? Should I be sending a cover letter even when it isn’t being asked for?
A cover letter won’t hurt. Often, we refer to the cover letter to gather additional information, such as explanations for employment gaps, the candidate's industry background, what specifically about the role has piqued their interest, or how their skills align with the role they are applying to. You can’t go wrong by submitting one, unless you’re specifically asked not to.
If you choose to submit a cover letter, we understand it can be a tedious process. However, this extra effort shows that you’ve taken the time to research the role and understand the company you’re applying for. This approach will take you much further than sending a generic resume to multiple companies in the hopes that one sticks.
5. In an interview, what will set me apart from other candidates being considered for a role?
Show that you’re interested in the role by being knowledgeable and well-prepared for the interview. Asking a question or two about the interviewers never hurts—small talk can break the ice and demonstrates that you took the time to learn more about them as well.
This is your opportunity to shine. While the role is the focus of our discussion, we also enjoy learning more about you, what was your favorite part of your previous job? What excites you about this position? Try to ‘read the room.’ While interviews can sometimes be formal, we also want to see your genuine personality shine through. We’re looking for a good fit within the team, so let your true self come through.
6. References:
• Should I add my references to my resume? No, this is not necessary. You can mention that references are available upon request, but at the resume stage, there is no need to include them.
• What type of references do companies want? We prefer to speak with someone you have worked with directly, ideally a previous manager. We understand you may not want to share your current employer’s details, but it’s important to provide a reference who can speak about your duties and responsibilities, your work ethic, fit within the team, etc.
• Should I contact my references when a company asks me to supply my references? Yes, contacting your references in advance is important. It ensures they are prepared to answer the call and take the time to provide a strong reference. When caught off guard, they may struggle to find the time or might comment that they wish they had a heads-up. It’s always in your best interest to inform them you’ve chosen them as a reference and provide a timeline for when they might expect a call.
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