Founder Jaclyn Johnson Shares Top Job Interview Red Flag—and What Impresses Her Most

In the high-stakes world of startup hiring, preparation and adaptability are crucial—just ask Jaclyn Johnson, the founder and chief creative officer of Create & Cultivate, a platform for women entrepreneurs. With over a decade of experience scaling her company and navigating the evolving business landscape, Johnson has clear views on what she values in a job candidate—and what can instantly raise red flags.

Create & Cultivate, formally launched in 2015 after Johnson began hosting entrepreneur-focused events in 2011, has grown into a major force in the business world. The company now stages large-scale events drawing thousands, including a two-day festival described as “Coachella for career women,” featuring notable personalities such as Doechii, Ciara, Ayesha Curry, and Paige DeSorbo. After selling the company for $22 million and later reacquiring it, Johnson has brought on a new CEO and currently oversees creative direction.

In this high-growth environment, Johnson places a premium on hiring individuals who thrive in fast-paced, idea-driven settings. One of her go-to interview questions—“What’s a time that you put a fire out?”—is designed to reveal how candidates respond to adversity and think on their feet.

People shaking hands | Source: Pexels

“People who are able to flex and move and adapt quickly are always great for a startup environment,” Johnson explains. She is also drawn to applicants who are open about their experiences, including setbacks. “My green flags are people who can come to an interview and also talk about the good, the bad, the ugly,” she says. Demonstrating honesty, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes signals a level of self-awareness and maturity that she values in potential team members.

However, the biggest red flag in a job interview, according to Johnson, is showing up unprepared—particularly not understanding the role or the company.

“Doing your due diligence before you do an interview is so important,” Johnson emphasizes. To assess this, she frequently asks candidates specific questions about the company’s operations and marketing strategy. For example, when hiring for a marketing role, she might ask: “What do you like about the marketing we’re doing? What do you think we could do better?”

Candidates who offer informed, thoughtful feedback stand out. “I’m always so impressed when someone has real feedback to offer on the business and the company,” Johnson says. Conversely, a lack of familiarity with Create & Cultivate’s mission and current work signals to her a lack of initiative. “If they have no clue about your business or even what’s going on or what you’re doing, I think that is a red flag.”

People in an office | Source: Pexels

Since Johnson’s return to the company, Create & Cultivate has expanded from fewer than 10 employees to around 15. The team operates fully remotely, with staff based in cities including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and San Diego, in addition to a network of agency partners.

For Johnson, the ideal hire is one who comes prepared, communicates with clarity, and brings authentic energy—qualities that help shape the evolving culture of Create & Cultivate.