Recently, I received a message from a recruiter about an open position. We chatted, I sent my CV, and after a week they asked about my desired salary. Then they set a time to sign an NDA before any interview. That was my first warning sign.
I read the NDA carefully and found a few red flags worth sharing (my personal view, not legal advice):

Very broad definition of “Confidential Information.”
The NDA says “Confidential Information” means “any and all information…in whatever form,” including “business plans, forecasts, projections, analyses, compilations, records and other materials” . This could cover even simple chat notes - so you might break the agreement just by asking a normal question.

Three‑year term.
The NDA stays in force for three years from signing . For a one‑time interview, this long period seems too much. It could stop you from working on similar projects elsewhere for a long time.

Foreign jurisdiction.
All disputes must go to the DIFC Courts in Dubai under DIFC law . If you disagree, you could face high travel and legal costs to defend yourself there.

No warranties on information.
The NDA states there are no promises about the accuracy or completeness of the shared information . Yet if you accidentally misuse something, you are fully responsible.

Surprise timing of the NDA.
The recruiter never mentioned the NDA at the start. It only appeared at a late stage - after salary discussions and interview timing agreement. That “tricky” timing feels like a hidden catch.

Always read an NDA line by line. Ask:
- “What exactly counts as confidential?”
- “Why is the term so long?”
- “Am I okay with this jurisdiction?”
A few clear questions now can save you big headaches later.

Have you ever reviewed an NDA with similar points? What questions did you ask before signing?