Job hunt is typically not something which people do out of habit. It's not a routine activity for most so naturally not many people are expert in the area. It may be a really difficult task at times and not everybody may have many choices at their disposal.
Some people really do their research well even before considering for a company to join. They'll go to sites like glassdoor.com and may be ask their friend circle about the company and team they are considering to appearing in interview for. Even then the mistakes happen and the same cycle repeats in a year or two.
So it is very important to make sure that the company and team you intend to join fits you and your career goal. So everyone should be really careful while accepting the job offer from the company. There are may ways in which you can guess whether a company is right fit for you even during the interview process.
Here I am listing some of the red flags which if observed during interview, you should reconsider your decision.
- Not very specific JD - While startups might require you to work on many levels on a project, if in the Job description they have not clearly specified a couple of responsibilities which you are expected to perform, the chances are they lack clarity themselves or they are very poor at selling. Both the cases are bad.
- Overly enthu. phrases - ?Take notice of of phrases like "thrives in a fast-paced environment", or "proficient at multitasking".? The chances are there is too much work load for every one there. While work load can be unavoidable sometimes, keeping these things in JD indicates that it might be a routine. Phrases like "we are like a family" may indicate future exploitation like extended work hours in the flood of emotions.
- Casual Interview Process - If your interview time has been rescheduled more than once, then may be this role is not that important. If the overall interview process is taking more than a week and there is significant time gap between the rounds, this is also a red flag. These may mean that role is not a priority for the company or even worse, the people are so work laden that they don't even have time for something which will distribute the load.
- Distracted Interviewer - If the interviewer is distracted by something like phone or other notifications, it a red flag. In rare cases it may be some genuine emergency(personal issue or production bug) but most likely it may mean that the interviewer cannot even get one dedicated distraction free hour from the routine. Imagine you could be next like them.
- Asking for current CTC - This in my opinion is a red flag. This may indicate that the company lacks the capability to independently judge your capability and the value you'll add to them. There could be various reasons for a capable person to work for less salary in part organisation. There are states which have enacted laws to prevent this bad practice. More info here.
- Delay in offer letter - If all the rounds are done and you are not handed the offer letter in a couple of days, it's a red flag. This may mean that you might not be the first choice and the company is evaluating other options or even worse, the lack of professionalism or complete internal mismanagement.
- Absurd expectations - I recently watched a movie called Meenakshi Sundareshwar, in this the lead male applies for a job for which being unmarried was a must have requirement. While this was movie and it may feel like exaggeration, if you notice anything discriminatory run away and find something better. You deserve better.
These were some of the red flags which I have compiled from my experience after being on both the sides of the table. Hope this will benefit some of you people.
Eventually everyone want to be happy. You want a job which brings more reasons to be happy and at peace instead of more reasons to be worried or sad.
