Red Flags Checklist

Some warning signs are easy to miss. This checklist helps you spot red flags before making a hiring mistake.

How to Use This Checklist

During the process:

• Review before auditions
• Check during interviews
• Observe during auditions
• Verify with references
• Trust your gut

If you see red flags:

• Note them
• Discuss with band
• Investigate further
• Proceed with caution
• Or pass entirely

Remember:

• One red flag = caution
• Multiple red flags = serious concern
• Major red flags = automatic pass

Major Red Flags (Automatic Pass)

1. History of Violence or Harassment

Signs:

• History of physical violence
• Sexual harassment allegations
• Threatening behavior
• Restraining orders
• Criminal record for violence

Why it matters: Safety is non-negotiable. This puts everyone at risk.

Action: Automatic pass, no exceptions

2. Active Substance Abuse

Signs:

• Shows up intoxicated
• Admits to active addiction
• Obvious impairment
• References mention it
• Defensive about substance use

Why it matters: Active addiction affects reliability, judgment, and safety.

Action: Pass unless in recovery with support

3. Dishonesty

Signs:

• Lies about experience
• Fabricates credentials
• Inconsistent stories
• Caught in lies
• References contradict claims

Why it matters: Trust is fundamental. Dishonesty destroys it.

Action: Automatic pass

4. Disrespect or Abuse

Signs:

• Disrespectful to you
• Rude to others
• Verbally abusive
• Demeaning comments
• Bullying behavior

Why it matters: Abusive behavior creates toxic environment.

Action: Automatic pass

5. Extreme Instability

Signs:

• Frequent job changes (unrelated to music)
• Multiple band changes in short time
• Chaotic personal life
• Erratic behavior
• Unpredictable availability

Why it matters: Extreme instability suggests unreliability.

Action: Pass unless clear explanation

Serious Red Flags (Proceed with Extreme Caution)

6. Bad-Mouthing Former Bands

Signs:

• Trashes former bandmates
• Blames everyone else
• No accountability
• Dramatic stories
• Bitter tone

Why it matters: They'll likely do the same to you.

Questions to ask:

• "What happened with your last band?"
• "What did you learn from that experience?"
• "What would you do differently?"

7. Unrealistic Expectations

Signs:

• Expects immediate success
• Wants to skip steps
• Unrealistic timeline
• Entitled attitude
• Doesn't understand work required

Why it matters: Sets up disappointment and conflict.

Questions to ask:

• "What are your expectations for the first year?"
• "What does success look like to you?"
• "What are you willing to do to get there?"

8. Poor Communication

Signs:

• Doesn't respond to messages
• Vague or unclear
• Defensive
• Doesn't listen
• Avoids direct conversation

Why it matters: Communication is essential for band function.

Test:

• How do they respond to scheduling?
• How do they handle feedback?
• Can they express concerns clearly?

9. Lack of Preparation

Signs:

• Didn't learn material
• Didn't research band
• Equipment not ready
• Excuses for unpreparedness
• Doesn't seem to care

Why it matters: Indicates lack of respect and commitment.

Consider:

• Was there a valid reason?
• Is this a pattern?
• How do they respond when called out?

10. Ego Issues

Signs:

• Arrogant
• Can't take feedback
• Talks over others
• Dismissive of others' ideas
• Needs to be center of attention

Why it matters: Ego kills collaboration and creates conflict.

Test:

• Give feedback, see how they respond
• Suggest changes, see if they're flexible
• Watch how they interact with others

11. Financial Red Flags

Signs:

• Can't afford basic equipment
• Asks for money immediately
• Unclear about financial situation
• History of not paying share
• Unrealistic about costs

Why it matters: Financial issues create stress and conflict.

Questions to ask:

• "Can you afford the financial commitment?"
• "Do you have reliable income?"
• "Are you comfortable with cost-sharing?"

12. Availability Issues

Signs:

• Vague about availability
• Many conflicts
• Can't commit to schedule
• Other priorities clearly higher
• Hedges on commitment

Why it matters: Availability is fundamental to function.

Questions to ask:

• "What's your availability for rehearsals?"
• "Can you commit to X shows per month?"
• "What other commitments do you have?"

Moderate Red Flags (Investigate Further)

13. Frequent Band Changes

Signs:

• Many bands in short time
• Pattern of leaving
• Vague reasons for leaving
• Never stays long

Why it matters: May indicate commitment issues or interpersonal problems.

Questions to ask:

• "Why did you leave your last bands?"
• "What are you looking for that you haven't found?"
• "What would make you stay long-term?"

14. Negative Attitude

Signs:

• Complains frequently
• Pessimistic
• Focuses on problems
• Resistant to ideas
• Brings down energy

Why it matters: Negativity is contagious and draining.

Consider:

• Is this temporary or personality?
• Do they balance with positivity?
• Can they be constructive?

15. Lack of Self-Awareness

Signs:

• Doesn't know strengths/weaknesses
• Overestimates abilities
• Doesn't understand impact on others
• No growth mindset
• Defensive about feedback

Why it matters: Self-awareness is key to growth and collaboration.

Test:

• "What are your strengths?"
• "What are you working on improving?"
• "How do you handle feedback?"

16. Social Media Red Flags

Signs:

• Offensive posts
• Constant drama
• Unprofessional content
• Controversial statements
• Negative about others

Why it matters: Reflects on band, may indicate character issues.

Action:

• Check social media before audition
• Consider if it aligns with band values
• Discuss if concerning

17. References Concerns

Signs:

• Won't provide references
• References are lukewarm
• References mention concerns
• Can't reach references
• Only provides friend references

Why it matters: References reveal patterns and issues.

Action:

• Always check references
• Ask specific questions
• Listen for what's not said
• Trust your instincts

18. Misaligned Goals

Signs:

• Different genre interests
• Different ambition level
• Different timeline
• Different values
• Different vision

Why it matters: Misalignment creates frustration and conflict.

Questions to ask:

• "What are your goals for the next year?"
• "What kind of band do you want to be in?"
• "What's your ideal scenario?"

Subtle Red Flags (Pay Attention)

19. Gut Feeling

Signs:

• Something feels off
• Can't put finger on it
• Uneasy feeling
• Hesitation
• Doubt

Why it matters: Your gut picks up on things your conscious mind misses.

Action:

• Don't ignore it
• Investigate further
• Discuss with band
• Trust your instincts

20. Too Good to Be True

Signs:

• Perfect on paper
• Says all the right things
• No weaknesses mentioned
• Seems too eager
• Overpromises

Why it matters: May be hiding something or not being genuine.

Action:

• Dig deeper
• Check references thoroughly
• Look for authenticity
• Test with challenges

Red Flag Evaluation

For Each Red Flag

Severity:

• Major (automatic pass)
• Serious (extreme caution)
• Moderate (investigate)
• Subtle (pay attention)

Context:

• Is there an explanation?
• Is it a pattern or one-time?
• Can it be addressed?
• Is it a deal-breaker?

Action:

• Automatic pass
• Investigate further
• Discuss with band
• Proceed with caution
• Address directly
• Monitor closely

Decision Framework

One Major Red Flag

Action: Pass, no exceptions

Why: Major red flags are non-negotiable

Multiple Serious Red Flags

Action: Pass or extreme caution

Why: Pattern of serious issues is too risky

One Serious Red Flag

Action: Investigate thoroughly

Questions:

• Is there context?
• Can it be addressed?
• Are they aware and working on it?
• Is it a deal-breaker for us?

Multiple Moderate Red Flags

Action: Proceed with caution

Why: Pattern of moderate issues adds up

One Moderate Red Flag

Action: Investigate and monitor

Why: May be explainable or addressable

Subtle Red Flags

Action: Pay attention, trust gut

Why: Often indicate deeper issues

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Ignoring Red Flags

Problem: Hope they'll go away

Reality: They usually get worse

Solution: Take red flags seriously

Mistake 2: Rationalizing

Problem: Make excuses for red flags

Reality: You're setting yourself up for problems

Solution: Be honest about concerns

Mistake 3: Desperate Hiring

Problem: Need someone so badly you overlook issues

Reality: Bad fit is worse than no one

Solution: Better to wait for right person

Mistake 4: Not Checking References

Problem: Miss important information

Reality: References reveal patterns

Solution: Always check references

Mistake 5: Not Trusting Gut

Problem: Ignore instincts

Reality: Gut is usually right

Solution: Trust your instincts

Key Takeaways

1. Major red flags = automatic pass - No exceptions
2. Multiple red flags = serious concern - Pattern matters
3. Investigate serious red flags - Get full picture
4. Trust your gut - Instincts pick up on things
5. Check references - Reveals patterns
6. Don't rationalize - Red flags don't go away
7. Better to wait - Bad fit worse than no one

Red flags are warnings. Pay attention to them. They'll save you from costly mistakes.