When you’re looking for a new job, you always want to be sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. However, it’s important to make sure that your employer is also putting their best foot forward, and that the culture of the company will be healthy for you. Western Union (WU) has the word on 7 warning signs to be aware of when looking for employment that will help protect you from getting into a toxic work situation.
The Job Notice Seems ‘Off’
Make sure you read the job notice for a potential position carefully. If the job notice is written unprofessionally, or is full of misspelled words and grammatical errors, that’s the first warning sign that something isn’t quite right at the company. A solid company that’s worth working for wants to attract the best crop of applicants possible. They’ll be sure to put effort into making sure that their business is represented professionally to the outside world in the job notice.
The Interview Process is Disorganized
If you’re granted an interview after applying for a job, take notice of how the interview process is conducted. If you encounter difficulty with the management over something as simple as scheduling a time to interview, or if the time continually gets rescheduled, that could be a warning sign that the company is disorganized. Also, if you show up for the interview and the interviewer isn’t there or makes you wait for an unreasonable amount of time, that’s another key sign that you should probably be looking for employment elsewhere.
Online Reviews are Poor
You can find just about anything online these days, including reviews of employers. Search for reviews from past employees to see what their experiences were. Of course, there will always be a disgruntled employee or two from any company. However, if you see the same pattern of negative comments from several past employees, that is a strong warning sign to stay away.
The Company Culture Feels Unwelcoming or Unhappy
When you enter the building for your interview, be sure to observe how the employees are interacting with each other, and what the general “feeling” is in the workplace. If employees seem happy, and the atmosphere feels friendly, then that’s a wonderful thing! However, if the culture feels unwelcoming, unfriendly, or tense, or the employees seem overworked, take note of that too. The last thing you want to do is get yourself in a situation that will put you in an unhealthy corporate culture.
Employees Don’t Stay Very Long
In your interview, be sure to ask the interviewer about the company culture and how long employees tend to stay. If the interviewer remarks that they have a lot of turnover or that it’s a “revolving door,” that’s a sure warning sign that past employees have been unhappy.
Your Potential Boss is Unfriendly or Seems Toxic
A job interview is when both the employee and employer should be at their best. If your potential manager’s behavior is rude, unfriendly, or just plain toxic when they’re supposed to be trying to recruit you, that’s a sure sign that things will only get worse once you’re on the job.
The Job Offer Isn’t Reasonable
If you receive a job offer, make sure it’s in line with what your salary and benefit requirements are. If the pay and benefits the company offers you are far below what’s standard for your position, or are significantly different than what you discussed in the interview, that’s a sign that the company doesn’t value its employees or is in a bad financial position.
If you keep a lookout for these warning signs, your job hunt should be less stressful and you’ll likely be on your way to a healthier and happier work life. Looking for a new job? Be sure to check out our open positions at WU Careers!
The Company Culture Feels Unwelcoming or Unhappy
When you enter the building for your interview, be sure to observe how the employees are interacting with each other, and what the general “feeling” is in the workplace. If employees seem happy, and the atmosphere feels friendly, then that’s a wonderful thing! However, if the culture feels unwelcoming, unfriendly, or tense, or the employees seem overworked, take note of that too. The last thing you want to do is get yourself in a situation that will put you in an unhealthy corporate culture.
Employees Don’t Stay Very Long
In your interview, be sure to ask the interviewer about the company culture and how long employees tend to stay. If the interviewer remarks that they have a lot of turnover or that it’s a “revolving door,” that’s a sure warning sign that past employees have been unhappy.
Your Potential Boss is Unfriendly or Seems Toxic
A job interview is when both the employee and employer should be at their best. If your potential manager’s behavior is rude, unfriendly, or just plain toxic when they’re supposed to be trying to recruit you, that’s a sure sign that things will only get worse once you’re on the job.
The Job Offer Isn’t Reasonable
If you receive a job offer, make sure it’s in line with what your salary and benefit requirements are. If the pay and benefits the company offers you are far below what’s standard for your position, or are significantly different than what you discussed in the interview, that’s a sign that the company doesn’t value its employees or is in a bad financial position.
If you keep a lookout for these warning signs, your job hunt should be less stressful and you’ll likely be on your way to a healthier and happier work life. Looking for a new job? Be sure to check out our open positions at WU Careers!
