When thinking about starting a new job we can get caught up in the excitement that may result in overlooking some details that could be potential red flags. What you don’t want to have happen is that the excitement clouds the reality of what that role would really be like, and you quickly find yourself on the market for a new role again. If you are considering a new job, watch out for these potential red flags…
Bad Reputation
Even before interviewing, do your research and look at company reviews on websites like Glassdoor to get a better understanding of the culture. Keep in mind that this is a way for employees to vent, so look at the collective, overall reviews, and if there are things that come up repeatedly. In an article on Indeed, they write, “One of the most indicative warning signs is the attitude of current employees. You can find online reviews or you can ask recruiters to give you a tour of the office. This allows you to communicate with potential colleagues and determine their attitude towards the employer. If they don’t seem to like their manager or are unsatisfied with the working environment, you may consider rejecting the job offer. If hiring managers don’t want to give you a tour, you may also consider rejecting the offer.”
High Turnover
Beyond looking at reviews, see what the track record is for their employees and their tenure. If a company has a high turnover, that’s a fairly clear indication of their company culture. In an article on Indeed they write, “A high turnover rate might be typical for certain part-time jobs, but in most cases, it can be an indicator of an unhealthy working environment. Employees usually tend to change their place of work if they’re unsatisfied with their current position. High turnover may also indicate that the employer offers insufficient career growth opportunities. You can evaluate turnover rates by communicating with other employees or contacting your predecessor.”
Their Company Culture Doesn’t Match Your Lifestyle
To set yourself up for success, it’s important to be honest about what type of work environment you can work in and how many hours a week you are able to work. If you’re considering a company that expects their employees to continually work overtime on evenings and weekends, but you already have a busy lifestyle, you probably want to consider a role that is less demanding. Burning the candle on both ends will only lead to exhaustion and resentment, so consider finding a role that’s a better fit. In an article on Forbes, they expand upon this writing, “Securing a job in such a competitive job market is a remarkable feat. However, you should not neglect your well-being by jumping into a toxic work environment just to be employed. Doing such could lead to high levels of stress and anxiety that could take a toll on you, making it difficult to perform at your best and enjoy your work. Steer away too from companies that promote unhealthy work habits like staying late due to heavy workloads or working on weekends, unrealistic expectations, lack of boundaries, and lack of communication. Aim to be in a team that encourages you to gain new skills and offers growth opportunities. While the urgency of securing a job during difficult times can be overwhelming, it’s important to assess the potential consequences of accepting an offer with many red flags. Prioritize your well-being and professional development over immediate final relief that may lead to overall job dissatisfaction.”
There Is a Long Commute
You may underestimate what a long commute would feel like and how exhausting and draining that can be over time. In an article on LinkedIn, they write, “Not enough people take time to consider the commute to a new workplace. But this could seriously affect your lifestyle and happiness. Do you want to have to get up really early to make it into work on time? And do you want to be getting home late at night? And aside from the additional hours you’ll spend “working” every day, how much will the extra journey cost you in fuel or public transport costs? Spend some time calculating the pros and cons of a lengthy commute, before committing to it. It will affect you more than you think.”