153. Let's Talk Hiring: Spotting Red Flags and Green Flags

Sofia Hoyos
Jul 7
3 min read

When you've interviewed hundreds of people over the years, you start to realize one thing ...

Everyone has a hiring story. 😂

Some are inspiring. Some are awkward. And some leave you wondering, "Did that really just happen?"

For this month's Hustled Up After Hours, we grabbed our drinks, went live with our community, and talked about one of the wildest parts of entrepreneurship: hiring.

From unforgettable interview moments and hilarious candidate stories to the little things that can make or break a first impression, this episode is packed with laughs, honest conversations, and plenty of lessons we've learned along the way. Of course, we couldn't resist turning it into a game. Throughout the episode, we played Red Flag or Green Flag, throwing out real interview scenarios and debating whether they'd leave a great first impression... or send us running the other way. Our live audience jumped into the comments to play along, and let's just say — not everyone agreed!

Whether you're a business owner building a team, someone preparing for your next interview, or you're simply here for the entertaining stories, this episode is full of moments that'll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even rethink your own interview habits.

The Small Things Say a Lot

One of the biggest themes that came up throughout the conversation was how much the little things matter.

Showing up on time.

Making eye contact.

Dressing appropriately.

Communicating if you're running late.

Being present during the conversation.

None of those things require years of experience or an impressive résumé, but they can completely change a first impression.

As employers, we've learned that interviews start long before the first question is asked. Sometimes, the way someone walks through the door tells you just as much as their answers ever could.

The Stories We Still Can't Believe

Over the years, we've interviewed hundreds of people, which means we've seen ... well ... just about everything:

Candidates bringing unexpected guests to interviews.
Someone requesting a fresh cup of coffee after the interview had already ended.
People arriving in questionable outfits.
Applicants who accidentally created even more questions with their answers than they answered.

Looking back now, these stories are hilarious. In the moment? Maybe not so much. 😅

But they're also reminders that every interview is an opportunity to show your professionalism - and that sometimes common sense really does go a long way.

We Played "Red Flag or Green Flag"

One of our favorite parts of the episode was playing Red Flag or Green Flag, where we threw out different interview scenarios and debated whether they'd leave a positive or negative impression.

Is showing up fifteen minutes early a green flag?
What about arriving exactly on time?
What if someone calls to say they'll be ten minutes late?
Does sending a thank-you message afterward help?
Should candidates bring a notebook?

The best part? Our live audience jumped into the comments and played right along with us, making the conversation even more fun. There were definitely a few moments where we didn't all agree... and that's what made it interesting!

Hiring Is About More Than Checking Boxes

At the end of the day, interviews aren't about finding someone who says all the "right" things. They're about getting to know the person sitting across from you. We'd much rather hear an honest answer than one you think we want to hear. Confidence is great. Authenticity is even better.

Whether you're interviewing your next employee or preparing for your own interview, remember that the goal isn't perfection. It's showing up prepared, communicating well, and letting your personality shine through.

In This Episode We Talked About:

✨ Our funniest hiring and interview stories

✨ The biggest interview red flags we've encountered

✨ Green flags that immediately stand out

✨ Why first impressions matter more than you think

✨ Real-life hiring lessons from years of building a team

✨ A fun round of Red Flag or Green Flag with our live audience

Final Thoughts 💛

This episode reminded us that hiring is one of the hardest — and funniest — parts of running a business. Every interview teaches you something. Sometimes it's about the candidate. Sometimes it's about yourself as a leader. The more people you meet, the better you become at spotting character, asking better questions, and trusting your instincts.

And if nothing else ... you'll probably walk away with a few stories you'll still be telling years later. 🍻