Getting an interview is a huge step in the job search process. You only get one interview for what seems like every thousand applications you submit. By the time you secure a date for the meeting, a mix of excitement and desperation typically sets in. You just want to be done with applications, questionnaires, and rewriting your resume for the millionth time.
As we all do, you thoroughly prepare for meeting your prospective new employer by rehearsing answers and picking the perfect outfit. You go into an interview with the mindset that the point of this is for you to impress the hiring manager, that this is your final test. I personally have done all of these things and after lots of awful, ill-fitting jobs, I am here to admit I was wrong. Way wrong.
Job Interviews Are a Two-Way Conversation
Interviews, yes, are about impressing the hiring manager. However, they are equally about you getting a sense of that company and the tasks that your day will consist of in that role. That’s right; you are not given a job, rather, you accept a job. You decide what is right for you and what will better your life, not the hiring manager.
When you have been immersed in the job hunt for a long time, you may think what I am saying is unrealistic and foolhardy. But this is practical advice that I wish someone had given me. While finding a job is draining, having to endure a work environment that you can’t or won’t thrive in is even worse. That job will take a more significant toll on your self-esteem and only keep you from finding the right position for even longer.
I would like to share with you the six warning signs that a position may not be right for you. These are not hard and fast rules but realistic indicators you should be on the lookout for when you go for your next interview. Here are 6 red flags that you should run from a job offer.
1. The Walk Through
When you go for your interview pay attention to the employees, workspace, and overall sense you get from this company. How are the employees dressed? Do they seem stressed or unfriendly? Is there tension in the air? While you only have time to make quick judgments that might not paint the whole picture, if there are red flags that this is a work culture that does not feel right, don’t ignore that. These are the people, and this is the environment you will be expected to work in on a daily basis. You have to feel comfortable.
2. The Sales Pitch
When you walk into the interview, armed with days of preparation, you are nervous but ready for all their questions. It can seem almost like a relief when you are 15 minutes in, and they have only asked you a few no-brainers like your name, or basic information on your resume. If the hiring manager only spends moments learning about you, and the rest of the interview pitching the job, start paying attention closely. If they aren’t concerned about your qualifications, they might just be looking for a warm body to fill an undesirable position. This means there has been a high turnover with this job, or they are understaffed. All of this spells a recipe for disaster.
3. The Pause
Near the end of the interview, when it’s your turn to ask questions. Make sure to ask the hiring manager about their experience working for this company. Do they enjoy working here, what’s their favorite part, etc? They can either answer enthusiastically or give you the dreaded pause. If they need to take a moment and filter what they have to say about the company, they are probably holding back something. While the hiring manager will of course only tell you the good, this could be a warning sign that this is an unfavorable work environment.
4. The Vague Job Description
If the description of the job in the ad is not clear, make sure to ask in the interview. If the hiring manager dances around what a “typical day” will look like or what will be expected of you, be cautious. “Conduct professional presentations to prospective and existing customers” sounds great, but what does it mean? It’s important to understand what will be asked of you to make an informed decision.
5. The Leadership
It’s essential to learn about your manager’s typical leadership style and reputation. The hiring manager can give you at least a general idea of the leadership you will be working for. Ask an open-ended type of question such as, “Can you give me a little information about the manager I will be working for?” Let them tell you what they want. You will learn more from how they answer than what they actually say. If they pause or seem unsure what to say, it could be a sign they don’t want to scare you away. In that case, you should be scared.
If you are talking directly to your potential manager, ask them about their leadership style and the expectations they hold their staff to. The more they talk, the more you can get an idea of what they will be like on a day-to-day basis. Ask them what attributes they personally are looking for in their new hire. If they seem cold, disconnected, or unsure, they may not be someone you want to work for.
6. The Peculiar Question
This can be rare but is a major red flag that this is not a job you want to accept. In the middle of the interview, if you are asked a particular, somewhat out-of-place question, you can’t ignore it. For example, if you are asked, “Are you comfortable with profanity?” you need to question why this is something they would even ask. Typically if there is a highly specific question thrown into the mix, you can bet, that whatever it is will be a part of your daily work.
What Now?
Whenever you spot one of these glaring signs, you will feel compelled to run out the door and never look back. While that is unbelievably tempting, it’s in your best interest to see the interview through. Any interview is a great chance to practice your skills and make a business connection.
Finding a job is a daunting process. But don’t let your desperation outweigh your need to find a job that will professionally and emotionally satisfy you. Don’t take these red flags for granted or underestimate the adverse effects the wrong position can have on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian job seekers might ask:
1. How can you research a company’s reputation before accepting an offer?
Use platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or industry-specific forums to check employee reviews, leadership ratings, and overall company performance.
2. What are the potential consequences of accepting a job with red flags?
Long-term dissatisfaction, burnout, and the need to job search again soon. Recognizing these signs early can prevent wasted time and stress.
3. What steps can you take if you realize you’ve accepted a job with red flags?
If you’ve already accepted a job but start noticing warning signs, consider having an open conversation with your supervisor about your concerns. You may also want to set personal boundaries, document issues for reference, and start preparing for a potential job search if the situation doesn’t improve.
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