Candidate Confessions: Job Seekers Reveal Company Red Flags

As a job seeker, keeping an eye out for red flags during the hiring process is essential. By doing so, candidates are more likely to notice signs of companies with lackluster cultures, problematic duties, or other issues that could hinder job satisfaction.

For candidates who aren’t sure what should give them pause as the hiring process unfolds, there are some classic warning signs that serve as excellent starting points. Here’s a look at what job seekers consider company red flags.

Labeling the Company a “Family”

While the idea of a company feeling like a family may seem positive, it often comes with some catches. Job seekers say that organizations that use the label may have high expectations regarding loyalty. Additionally, it could signal that the employer has expectations far beyond what’s outlined in the job description, essentially to the point where employees are often required to sacrifice their non-work lives to handle any responsibilities laid before them, even those that fall outside of the role. At times, saying a company is like a family could also mean that colleagues may be more intrusive when it comes to personal matters.

However, it is critical to note that some companies state they have a family-like culture for positive reasons. For example, it could mean that it’s team-oriented and respectful. Since that’s the case, candidates should treat the term as a reason to look more closely at the culture to determine precisely what it describes.

Enthusiasm That Signals Desperation

When a hiring manager or recruiter thinks they’ve found the perfect candidate, pursuing them enthusiastically isn’t uncommon. However, if a job seeker is suddenly inundated with messages that are pushing them to accept the position fast, it’s a potential red flag.

Enthusiasm that veers into desperation could be a sign of a company with high turnover. At times, a high amount of pressure on candidates to say “yes” may also signal other issues, such as an attempt to secure them as an employee before they learn details about the role that may cause them to change their minds. Since that’s the case, any unnecessarily aggressive push to get a “yes” should cause candidates to proceed with caution.

Mentions of Long Hours

While mentioning long hours does mean the company is being transparent about the potential for overtime, it could also mean that achieving work-life balance while employed there is likely difficult, if not impossible. At a minimum, job seekers should treat statements about extended hours or mandatory overtime as a cue to ask for more details. If a company is reluctant to offer up more information, then that’s a major red flag. If it continues to be open and the situation seems manageable to the job seeker, then moving forward may not be overly risky.

Ultimately, the information above can make finding a suitable position easier for candidates, allowing them to avoid potentially problematic working conditions or other issues. If you’d like to learn more or are looking for a career-boosting job opportunity, Hamilton-Ryker wants to hear from you. Explore our job listings or contact one of our recruiters today.