The ability to read between the lines and decipher vague statements can be invaluable in the interview process. Here are things we've heard and the subliminal messages that (should) go with them.

From Candidates
"My boss and I had a philosophical disagreement." He thinks I'm nuts.

"It was a bad fit from the start." Both sides were overly eager to fill the position and did zero due diligence.

"The culture has changed." No more building homes for fun; they expect us to make money.

"The money is secondary to the long-term career opportunity." Assuming it includes a 20% increase above my current salary.

From Employers
"We need someone who can take us to the next level." We can't figure it out ourselves.

"We want someone who is career-minded and interested in more than money." We don't want to pay market salary.

"We try to maintain a balance between sales velocity and production capacity." Our forward land position stinks.