Job hunting can be a daunting and overwhelming process, especially if you’re not too sure what you’re looking for. When you’re on the hunt for new opportunities, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of scoring an interview and forget to scrutinise your potential employer. While we all want to work in a supportive and healthy work environment, sometimes the red flags can be overlooked. If you’re trying to figure out what to look for and what to avoid in potential employers, keep on reading!
If the company has a high turnover rate, that’s a significant red flag. High turnover rates can indicate several underlying problems, such as poor management, low employee morale, lack of trust, and a non-supportive work environment. Make sure to ask about the company's turnover rate, and if it turns out to be high, ask questions like “how they're combatting the turnover rate and their effective measures” during your interview.
Employment contracts can vary in terms of the length of the contract, which can impact job security. However, if the position you’re applying for is a permanent role, make sure to ask about the company's long-term plans before accepting the offer. It's essential to ensure that the position is steady and secure before signing on and heading out on a new journey.
As professionals, we all want to continue growing our skills and advancing our careers, and working for a company that will help in that regard should always be desirable. During the hiring process, ask about opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. Suppose your interviewer is hesitant or unable to provide specific answers. In that case, this could indicate a lack of an employee development program, which could indicate that the company is not invested in its employees and their career progress.
Employment from the get-go can be exciting, but companies that make employment offers immediately without screening, interviewing, or any backgrounds check is an alarming red flag. Legitimate companies understand that hiring requires a thorough approach for both parties to feel contented and certain about their decision. Potential employers should always offer an official hiring process that includes interviews, vetting checks, and assessments before offering employment to the candidate.
We live in an era where consumer feedback impacts nearly everything, from restaurants to products to employee satisfaction in workplaces to the companies one works for. Explore employee review websites such as Glassdoor to learn about previous employee experiences and to acknowledge if the company has unresolved complaints or an overall negative work environment. While some negative reviews may be old or unique situations, proceed carefully if the company has multiple reviews with negative comments about the same issues.
Ultimately, the goal of job hunting is to land a position with a company that is a good fit for you. Researching potential employers or allowing a recruiter to do so for you, and carefully asking important questions are essential for an effective job search. Keep an eye on these red flags to weed out the harmful jobs and make educated decisions that will lead you to success. Don’t forget that you deserve the best - and that starts with a great company and supportive work environment.