When you go into an interview you are definitely focused, but that same focus could be the reason why you’re failing to recognize that the workplace may be your worst nightmare. If you don’t want to end up working at a place you will hate, be on the lookout for any of these bad signs.
A work in progress
The job description you read is different from what the interviewer says. People tell you to report to a different department every few days. They told you to look for John for the interview instead of Jane, who was going to do the interview. Nothing seems to be clear. Can you imagine working there?
A good company will recognize these issues and try to iron things out or let you know up front if there are any issues you need to know about the job. If they can’t be honest about it in the interview, how can you expect them to be honest once you work there?
No updates
It is reasonable for a company to take a while to get back to you. There are so many things that can happen along the way. Still, when you are a job seeker and you’re waiting for updates about your candidacy, it’s agonizing not to hear from the company, especially when they gave you a specific date. If they aren’t going to hire you, the least they can do is to let you know. It’s about showing respect for your time.
High rate of turnover
High turnover rate is not always bad. It might simply be an employer with high standards replacing bad employees. This is not always the case, however, as it could also be good employees running away from a bad employer or company. Your job is to go into the interview and find out which one is the case.
Zero turnover
It might not look bad because nobody is leaving the company, but if the reason why nobody is leaving is because the management does not recognize bad performers from good ones, that should be a red flag. You want to be in environment where growth is rewarded and poor performance does not go unnoticed.
Rude interviewers
When going in for an interview, you can at least expect to be treated well. If they make you feel that you’re an unwelcome sight, you wouldn’t want to work for them anyhow. It just shows how they treat people.
What’s in it for us?
The employer only cares about what you can do for the company and does not show a hint of interest in how the company can also help you. Working for an employer should be like communication: There should be a sense of give-and-take. If the interviewer doesn’t take the time to ensure that you understand every detail of the job, then he probably doesn’t think much of his employees.
Sugarcoating
It’s nice for employers to help you be at ease, but if the only things they want you to know are the good sides of the job, then you’re dealing with an employer who can’t be honest. Every job has its pros and cons, and you want an employer who can be up front and tell you everything you need to know—not just the good parts.
It is important to be vigilant when you are searching for your next job. You may need a job right now, but you don’t have to get yourself involved with a bad company. Use the interview to get to know about the company. If don’t find any of these telltale signs, then you can concentrate on making an impression and you can win a job offer without worries.