Green flag or Red flag?

46 Comments

1. Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.October 7,2021 at 1:48PM UTC

   My guess is that it's probably a green flag. I can't imagine that they would waste time interviewing you more than once if they didn't see you as a good candidate for the role. Good luck, you got this!

2. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

   It's encouraging but don't over think this. Try and go with the flow become as you've already experienced, things don't always go according to plan.

3. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 3:50PM UTC

   I am a bit cynical so take this knowing that, but I would caution you to wait til you've signed on the dotted line with every job, no matter what the lead up is like. I' not saying this isn't a green light but so many things can change at the last minute (we can too!) that it's smart to bide your time. I do wish you luck.

4. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 7,2021 at 3:57PM UTC

   Not a red flag at all- just a management team that is eager to get a position filled, most likely. Their standard email reply was likely to set expectations in case it took longer- it could mean there isn't a ton of competition for your role. Play it out and see where it goes.

5. Alexis GladstoneOctober 7,2021 at 6:11PM UTC

   I don't see this as a red flag at all. I appreciate that they laid out the expectation for the interview process.

   The fact that it has been accelerated could be many reasons. Here are a few I can think of: They are so impressed with you they want to move quickly; The hiring manager is eager to get the role filled; There are people who are part of the process who won't be available if things aren't accelerated.

   I'd much rather see a sped up timeline then one that drags on!

   Good luck and let us know what happens!

6. AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 3:36AM UTC

   Just moving to 2nd and 3rd interviews is a great sign. Maybe they want to get someone in place quickly. Maybe one of the hiring managers had an upcoming vacation. Maybe you’re the strongest candidate and they don’t want to interview others unless you turn them down. It’s impossible to say at this point.

   Just take deep breaths, be confident, and remember to ask all the questions you need to in order to ensure this is a job and employer that YOU want.

7. Laura BradyOctober 8,2021 at 12:42PM UTC

   Companies are moving at a faster pace when it comes to hiring talent these days. Good resources are in high demand. You have to act quickly in order to not lose the candidate. I agree that it is a good sign, but also nothing is final until the ink is dry.
   Good luck!

8. Stacey ShannonOctober 8,2021 at 1:07PM UTC

   The message you received stating that the phases are 3 weeks apart was probably boilerplate stuff automatically sent out by whatever hiring software they are using. In this market, there is no need, nor time to drag out the process like that. They want you!! And if you trust the reviews you have read from previous employees, you are probably in good hands and about to embark on what could be an enjoyable next phase in your career! Good luck!

9. Bonnie DilberOctober 9,2021 at 12:25PM UTC

   I don't think alignment to the timeline is a flag - that's all generic stuff that should be seen as a general guide rather than a strict process. And given the market, people are speeding things up for sure! The biggest green flag is moving quickly from one interview to the next!
   All that said, don't make assumptions or put your eggs in this basket until the offer is in hand. I've had interviews that moved quickly and felt amazing but then didn't pan out due to comp or internal changes or whatever. You never know. So I'd say you're seeing positive signals which is great, and keep applying and interviewing until you have an offer that excites you in hand!

10. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 12:33PM UTC

    Not a red flag at all. They like you and wanted you seen first which is a good thing. Best of luck and hope you get an offer.

11. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPOctober 9,2021 at 12:40PM UTC

    Without knowing the role/position you are applying for, I think these are all good signs. The company clearly stated their process and they have been in communication with. If the company went silent then there would be concern. Good luck and hope you land the role you want.

12. Jennifer HoweOctober 9,2021 at 12:52PM UTC

    I don't think this is a red flag at all. Purely guessing, they probably outlined the recruitment process to help their applicants understand what to expect and to not worry if they didn't hear back in let's say 24-48 hours. It sounds like a general timeline as opposed to a rigid one...sometimes they get back to people quicker and sometimes slower. I actually appreciate that they shared their timeline information with you. It is very considerate. If I were offered the positon and this is the only thing causing me to pause based on my research, I would move forward with the company. Best wishes!

13. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 1:09PM UTC

    Agreed. It sounds like the timeline they gave you was very general to manage expectations in the event everyone you were interviewing with wasn’t available right away, etc. But in your case, it is moving faster which is a good thing. I have always loved when the hiring process was faster because I got an answer sooner. I think the thing to focus on is how comfortable did you feel with the people you interviewed with and how comfortable do you feel about the job itself. The hiring process in this case is fine. Best of luck to you!

14. GirlBossanova934974October 9,2021 at 12:57PM UTC

    This is neither a green flag nor a red flag. To be candid, this is the way things used to be done. Surprise! A company makes/made a commitment to a timeline and keeps to it. Experienced and worthwhile managers understand this concept. Keeping commitments can lead to proper execution. Sloppiness leads to more sloppiness. You can see the sloppiness of many organizations from a mile away. Managers showing up for interviews with zero interview prep etc. That being said, job or no job, you are likely to get a go or no go from this company in a timely and predictable way.

15. Crystal CantuOctober 9,2021 at 2:52PM UTC

    I agree with this response, but I will say while it's not a total red flag that you should be aware of role expectations and any ambiguity around what's expected of you. To counter, just ensure you ask those questions to define what your role entails during your interview. I speak from experience. Good luck!

16. Amy KeachOctober 9,2021 at 1:05PM UTC

    I see this as a classic example of "under-pomise, over-deliver". They outlined the "typical" process (someone else aptly said "boilerplate"), and moved faster. I expect that of my vendors, of my team, and I practice it myself. I think this speaks volumes about not only company culture, but your own performance in the interviews. Take a deep breath and trust the process as it unfolds.

17. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 1:08PM UTC

    Why was it necessary for you to even respond ? Maybe this is the first job interview they've had in years due to losing a long term job and isn't aware of how much the interview process has changed. Your lack of judgement in how to be considerate of other people is severely lacking. You may want to tweek your people skills.

18. Shelby COctober 9,2021 at 1:16PM UTC

    GREEN! I always tell people to under promise and over deliver. Then, there are realistic expectations. Plus, it can take longer to hire some people, fill some rolls, and work with other internal employees. Other potential applicants can slow it down as well, but if it's moving this quickly you are probably their only choice.

    Congrats and good luck!

19. Healthcare workerOctober 9,2021 at 1:23PM UTC

    It means they are interested in you. I think that is obvious.

20. Shelby COctober 9,2021 at 1:26PM UTC

    I find your response to be cruel, inappropriate, inaccurate, and off base. You are making a lot of assumptions about a stranger. We come here to foster mentorship and positivity. I think that if you felt confident in your response, it wouldn't be anonymous either. Why must we tear one another down when we can choose to lift one another up?

    I have reported you. I hope others that see this do the same.

21. William WallsOctober 9,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    With all due respect to those who disagree, I think this anonymous poster made a meaningful contribution to the discussion. Although this could've been delivered with fewer assumptions and more tact, I agreed with the overall thrust of it. As I read the question, I was fairly shocked that this was even questioned by the original poster and quickly found myself questioning her ability to assess even typical workplace (and life) situations. If I were the hiring manager and got wind of it, I'd be tapping the brakes pretty hard right about now.
    And if we're truly here to support each other, then it does far more harm than good to restrict our responses to "feel good" messages and worthless platitudes. People who post questions here are far better helped by getting the truth, even if it may sting. Conversely, I can't think of anything worse than to be in a position of trust and tell someone asking a question some sunshine and fairy dust story and watch them go forward like a lamb to the slaughter.

22. Shelby COctober 9,2021 at 4:58PM UTC

    Oh, I agree to a point.

    I give honest feedback, but it can be done without being unnecessarily cruel, mean, or negative. It shouldn't ever come from a place of harm which is clearly the commenter's intent. I have told the "hard truth" on here before, but I have also learned through years of experience working with others that they often hear how you say something more than what you say. Tone can be set in writing as well.

    If this kind of behavior is considered acceptable in our community, how long do you think it will remain a safe, inclusive place?

23. GingerintheKitchenOctober 9,2021 at 5:48PM UTC

    Perfectly stated, @William Walls! This is exactly what the OP needs, much more than the "you go girl" platitudes. Everyone needs a little lightbulb moment from time to time, and you can't post asking for advice and then get twisted because you got called out for either being unable to assess a pretty obvious situation or fishing for compliments ... Since when are we not allowed to call a spade a spade? OP was far more interested in tearing someone down then the person who responded to her post.

24. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 2:22PM UTC

    I'm the original poster. I'm going to give YOU the attention you so desperately seek .

    We are currently in a pandemic and facing "The Great Resignation". I haven't been in the market for a role in 5 years. I came here seeking advice from fellow people, mostly women, to genuinely inquire if I was missing something from a third party perspective. I have never in my professional career experienced the process going this fast. I like to be careful, and there is a part of me that had a slight concern about why it has gone this fast. I received wonderful perspectives from people that have calmed my concern.

    Now, Ms. Bitter Betty, YOU can move along. Maybe you need to sit with yourself and ponder why you felt the need, before properly getting the dirt out of your eye and the yuck out of your mouth, to come on here and be so rude. It's very clear you are projecting. Whatever insecurity you are feeling about your job and life, I'm not your spouse, mama, child, or goldfish. I do not care. Please pay the $50 co-pay like everyone else and talk that out with a licensed professional like the rest of us do.

    Now, I'm going to go and finish my research on this beautiful site to get current information on making counteroffers. Have a great Saturday and don't let those hooves weigh you down as you go on about your day!

25. Shelby COctober 9,2021 at 4:59PM UTC

    ?⬇️

26. Renee Radcliff SinclairOctober 9,2021 at 2:46PM UTC

    It means they are interested and wanted to move things a long more quickly than originally planned. Things change, even for companies. They want the post filled. If you want the job, take the job.

27. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 3:12PM UTC

    I’m not sure about timelines for interviewing for office jobs, because I haven’t interviewed for one of those since 2001. But I do know that the quicker the process is, the more likely it is they want the job filled. If the process is going quickly for you, the company wants the job filled. And more than likely interested in you. Try not to overthink and keep interviewing until you have a firm offer in place. To the person who made the negative post, it was pretty unnecessary. In an already harsh online climate, it costs nothing to be kind. Stop assuming the worst about people.

28. Melisa Mobley KlusmanOctober 9,2021 at 3:25PM UTC

    I think it’s a great sign! Keep believing in yourself! Good luck!

29. KathrynOctober 9,2021 at 3:42PM UTC

    Green Flag HR here we do the same method being very transparent. If they moved it up that is a very good sign

30. AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 3:54PM UTC

    Maybe neither - they may not have had the volume of applications they expected and are moving quicker. They like you though. Good luck.

31. Leader904991October 9,2021 at 3:54PM UTC

    Green like grass. No one is going to bother speeding up the process if they don't like you. Plus, third interviews tend to be with higher-ups and are subject to *their* availability, so the condensed schedule isn't that big a surprise. Good luck! You're obviously doing great.

32. Cecile Marie GirouxOctober 9,2021 at 5:04PM UTC

    Sounds like your path ahead is a glowing green! Good for you and your employer too!

33. GingerintheKitchenOctober 9,2021 at 5:33PM UTC

    Whoa. After reading OP's response to this, I am actually in agreement with anonymous. I am hard pressed to find any genuine curiosity in your post when you reply in such a vicious and immature manner to the one and only person who questioned why you would post such a puzzling inquiry. As you yourself stated, we ARE in fact in the midst of the "great resignation"! That right there is reason for timelines to be accelerated in order to lock down promising candidates in this very competitive hiring market. Of course it is not a red flag, and yes... It DID seem like you were asking this to either brag about how clearly desirable you are because you are going through the hiring process faster than the average... Or to fish for people to confirm your beliefs in how truly outstanding a candidate you are.

    I also thought, There is no way you were genuinely worried this was a real "red flag" ...come on.... If that was a genuine and valid worry, then you must be unbelievably rigid or, you are the kind of person who makes mountains out of molehills.

    Now, after reading your bratty response peppered with name calling and what I am sure you perceived as amazing mic drop, "total burn" moments, I can confirm you are mountain into molehill gal... And your response is a red flag on your ability to gracefully communicate with anyone who is not lavishing you with praise. This type of response makes me assume you are that person on the team who thinks every wrinkle is a monumental emergency and also someone who is constantly borrowing worry and looking for hand holding and reassurance from everyone.

    Before you fall back on your name calling and psuedo- psych 101 BS, no, I am NOT projecting nor am I bitter.

    Just sharing MY observations on this very interesting turn of a thread. You may have been able to spin the "genuinely inquiring" bit if you hadn't been so cringy and silly in your response.

    Since you came to this beautiful site for some advice, I would like to give you a bit:

    Before you start this new position, decide which person you want to be within your new team. Do you want to be the one who asks her co workers for confirmation every time she has a "slight worry" and the one who, on a hair trigger loses her composure and has a tantrum? Or... Will you be the cool and composed problem solver who refuses to let petty annoyances become anything other than a minor blip on her radar?

    If you want to grow to be that second woman, you have some work to do. .. but you can start by taking a beat, breathing deeply, and choosing to always be the bigger and better person. Every time.

    Best of luck to you, I hope you land the job, and find success and growth in your new role.

34. DanielleOctober 9,2021 at 5:41PM UTC

    I think this company has adjusted a hiring timeline. They might need staff immediately which makes them move quickly. I don’t think I’d look at the rushed process in either way but more of the quality of the interview. Did the person interviewing you pay attention to what you were saying? Did they allow you time to convert your response? Were they rushed? I would put more in stock into those answers.

35. Rika M PhippsOctober 9,2021 at 6:31PM UTC

    If they didn't like you the 1st time around, you would not have been forwarded to the 2nd interview, much less the 3rd. I think you're most definitely in the green light zone.

36. HarrietOctober 9,2021 at 8:37PM UTC

    It's neither... as some have mentioned, don't think too deep if there's no reason to. The time frames given by companies are for them to meet their goals and expectations. However, there are cases when they could work faster than anticipated. Enjoy the new journey!

37. Becca HuntOctober 9,2021 at 8:49PM UTC

    I think it means they’re urgently hiring. I think that’s good . Why waste time?

38. Lynda Birmantas BeamOctober 10,2021 at 12:10AM UTC

    Who actually interviewed you, if you’ve been interviewed by the hiring mgr (the person leading your team) then I’d say it’s a good thing and that you are close to a decision.

39. Gretchen Olsen-JacobsenOctober 10,2021 at 12:50AM UTC

    No more tea leaf reading. ?. Let the process play out, good luck!

40. Eloisa JacintoOctober 10,2021 at 1:20AM UTC

    Hi. Agree with most comments here. Don’t overthink and trust the process. Good luck!

41. Cheryl IsleyOctober 10,2021 at 5:35AM UTC

    You are over thinking this process. So far there hasn't really been a negative about the situation. Accept the speedier time frame for what it is. Yes, the gave you a process time frame, but that was really for them to consider the candidates. Look at it this way, they saw something in you that triggered an expedited process. I've been fortunate enough to have a similar thing happen. I was hired for a job in roughly a weeks time. I received a call from a recruiter, scheduled a interview with the hiring manage. The manager told me the process would take about ten days. Before I got to my car in the parking lot after the interview, I got a call from the recruiter. The job was mine. So, enjoy the possibility. You seem to like the opportunity. Stop over thinking. Good luck.

42. AnonymousOctober 10,2021 at 10:57AM UTC

    I'd see this as a green flag! Good luck :)

43. Joanna PoeOctober 10,2021 at 4:22PM UTC

    The email was probably to cover them if they were swamped, indicating a max of a week.

    If it seems worryingly fast to you, be up-front with them in the process and say, "I'm a little surprised this is progressing so quickly, did your posting receive less response than you anticipated?" or something to that effect.

44. Lynda BoothOctober 10,2021 at 5:44PM UTC

    They must like you as a candidate! Employers will speed up the process for certain candidates. Be grateful and enjoy the process.

45. Jennifer WuolletOctober 11,2021 at 1:16PM UTC

    Go for it, good luck, sounds like they might have found who they are looking for!

46. Sonya HowardOctober 18,2021 at 9:15PM UTC

    With all the staffing challenges HR has, some things will not go as planned. Hang in there.