3 Red Flags in the Hiring Process
The hiring process is hard, ya’ll. No denying that. And when you finally get to the stage, after a million interviews, phone calls, emails, and anticipation, it can seem like you need to jump on that $hit.
But it’s so important to review the process as a whole & the information you have gathered before you accept that long awaited offer. I support my clients through this process because it can seem like a linchpin moment, and the stress, even once you get the offer, can lead you to accept a lower salary than you want, a job that doesn’t fit with your values, and ultimately burn you TF out.
And it’s also where I see so many of my clients second guess their own knowing & power. Because they need the money. Because they are excited about one aspect of the job. Because they clicked with one person on the interview board.
Even if this is the perfect job, now is the time to look for any red flags and get all the information you need before you make a final decision. Not sure how to tell? Here are the Top 3 red flags I have seen in supporting clients.
Top 3 RED FLAGS from hiring companies:
🚩 If they pressure you to accept an offer on an unreasonable timeline.
This is a tactic. One used over and over again. Think high pressure sales situations. For a limited time only! Only 24 hours to redeem this offer! Only 1 item remaining! In the job world, this looks like- We need this position filled ASAP. And no matter how true that is, the best companies give you time to make a fully aligned decision. Because if you’re not all in, they have to start the process all over again or offer it to their second choice candidate. So don’t let them pressure you.
🚩If they aren't transparent with the salary range.
Companies have budgets. Always, and forever. So if a company cannot tell you the salary range until you get to the offer stages, that’s a red flag. It means it could be a waste of your time & theirs if the basic needs aren’t met. Dive deeper until they have to give you an answer, and if they become defensive, that’s an even bigger red flag. Some hiring processes take months, and you don’t need to waste months and the emotional energy if the salary doesn’t feel good or can’t be shared. Move on & find a company that values your time.
🚩If they keep changing the deliverables on a job description.
Read the job descriptions carefully before applying. Too frequently these descriptions actually tell you nothing about what is expected of you and what your day to day will look like. So many companies use a vague job description to keep their employees in scarcity. When annual review time comes, you didn’t meet the objectives that weren’t ever told to you. Or better yet, your whole job changed once you start the position, and now they are holding you to what was in the initial job description (aka you never really did that job). Get clear from the outset, but also use this as a guide for check-ins going forward , so you always get the raise and promotions you desire.
These red flags don't always mean not to accept a job.
But they definitely indicate a need to dig deeper before you accept.
Quality companies are clear on what the job is, how much it pays, and will always allow time for you to consider how this would impact you & your life before accepting a job.
Because they shouldn’t just want the best fit for them. Good companies know it needs to be the best fit for you too, or they won’t retain you.
Don't ignore the red flags. Listen to your intuition.