7 Silent Red Flags That Scream ‘I Didn’t Prepare’ in a Job Interview

CEO Scott Tannen's 7 cues that quietly tell employers you walked in casually

Walk into an interview feeling confident, only to be told later you “weren’t the right fit”? Chances are, it wasn’t your resume—it was what you *didn’t* say or do in the first five minutes. According to Scott Tannen, CEO of ethical bedding brand Boll & Branch, many candidates unknowingly reveal their lack of preparation before they even answer a single technical question.

During interviews, Tannen asks one simple but revealing question: “Why do you want to work here?” The responses, he says, fall into two camps: those who’ve done their research—and those who’ve just walked in casually . The difference isn’t just in the words—it’s in seven subtle, almost invisible cues that scream indifference. And in today’s hyper-competitive job market, job interview preparation isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline.

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The Scott Tannen Test: Why This One Question Matters

Tannen doesn’t rely on trick questions or brainteasers. Instead, he uses “Why do you want to work here?” as a litmus test for three things: curiosity, context, and intent. A strong answer shows you’ve researched the company’s mission, recent news, culture, and even its challenges. A weak one—like “It’s a great company” or “I need a job”—reveals you didn’t care enough to look deeper .

“When someone can’t articulate why they’re here, it tells me they’re applying everywhere,” Tannen explained. “That’s not ambition—that’s desperation without direction.”

Job Interview Preparation: The 7 Silent Red Flags

According to hiring managers and CEOs like Tannen, these subtle behaviors often speak louder than your answers:

  1. Generic answers with zero company specifics: Saying “I love your values” without naming them shows you didn’t read their About page.
  2. Not asking insightful questions: If your only question is about salary or vacation days, you’re signaling this is purely transactional.
  3. Mispronouncing the company or product names: A small slip that implies you’ve never actually engaged with their brand.
  4. Body language that screams disengagement: Fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or checking your phone—even subtly—suggests you’re not present.
  5. Inability to connect your past to their future: Strong candidates explain how their experience solves the company’s current problems. Unprepared ones just list old job duties.
  6. No awareness of recent company news: Didn’t know they launched a new product? Expanded internationally? That silence is heard loud and clear.
  7. Over-rehearsed or robotic delivery: Ironically, sounding too scripted can be as bad as being unprepared—it shows lack of authenticity and real interest.

Why Curiosity Beats Confidence in Modern Hiring

Gone are the days when charisma alone could land you the job. Today’s employers—especially in mission-driven or innovative companies—value intellectual curiosity above all. They want people who ask “Why?” and “How might we improve this?”

As Harvard Business Review notes, curious employees are more adaptable, collaborative, and innovative—key traits in a fast-changing workplace . Tannen’s focus on “Why us?” isn’t about flattery; it’s about finding people who are genuinely excited to contribute, not just collect a paycheck.

How to Demonstrate Intent and Context in an Interview

So how do you prove you’re serious? Go beyond the basics:

  • Study their website like a journalist: Read their blog, press releases, and social media. Note their tone, values, and current campaigns.
  • Reference a recent challenge: “I saw your Q3 earnings call mentioned supply chain delays—my experience in logistics at [X] could help streamline that.”
  • Tie your passion to their purpose: If Boll & Branch champions ethical cotton, don’t just say you “care about sustainability”—share a personal story or project that proves it.
  • Prepare 3 smart questions: Ask about team dynamics, biggest current hurdle, or how success is measured in the role. This shows strategic thinking.

These steps transform you from a generic applicant into a problem-solver with purpose—exactly what employers like Tannen are hunting for.

What Top Employers Really Look For Beyond Your Resume

Resumes get you in the door—but presence wins the offer. According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Global Talent Trends report, 78% of hiring managers say “cultural curiosity” is now a top hiring criterion, outranking even technical skills in some roles .

They’re not just asking, “Can you do the job?” They’re asking, “Do you *want* to do *this* job, at *this* company, with *these* people?” Your answer—spoken and unspoken—must be a resounding yes.

Final Thoughts: Turning Preparation into Presence

Scott Tannen’s insight cuts through the noise: Job interview preparation isn’t about memorizing answers—it’s about showing up with intention. Those seven silent cues aren’t traps; they’re invitations to prove you’ve done the work, thought deeply, and genuinely want to belong.

Before your next interview, ask yourself: “If the CEO asked me why I’m here, would my answer make them lean in—or look at their watch?” The difference could be your next career breakthrough.

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