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Most of us change jobs—and even careers—several times in our lives. Better pay, more benefits, and growth opportunities often inspire the move. However, subtle cues can reveal far more about a workplace than their compensation package. Paying attention to these signs can save you from landing in a role you’ll regret.
1. Vet the Company
Before you click “apply,” dig deeper.
- Check independent sources. Sites like Glassdoor offer salary ranges, employee reviews, and even interview tips. Remember that reviews will tend to skew negative, so consider them with a grain of salt.
- Tap your network. Use LinkedIn to see who works at the company now or used to. A short coffee chat can give you an insider’s view that a website never will.
2. Vet the Posting
A job ad is more than a list of duties; it’s a window into the company’s mindset. Here are some things to look for:
- Red flag: In places with pay-transparency laws, a missing salary range suggests the company is ignoring or not staying current with labour rules, showing how much they prioritize employees.
- Green flag: A clear, transparent posting with well-defined duties, salary range, and reporting structure. This shows they have put thought into what the role is, what defines success, and what’s a reasonable portfolio.
- Yellow flag: Words like “family” or “passion” can be heartfelt—or a hint of blurred boundaries, low pay, or overwork.
3. Vet the Interview
Interviews reveal culture in real time. Here are some pieces to look out for:
- Red flag: They make you go through more than two interviews. This is a red flag because it shows they don’t have streamlined processes and/or they don’t have clear criteria of what they see as success.
- Red flag: Interviews seem to be “off the cuff.” This is a red flag because it shows the company is allowing bias to be fully present in the hiring process. It also means those who are are charming, more attractive, and speak more are who will more likely be hired rather than their underlying skills and abilities. A green flag is when the hiring panel has a pre-determined list of questions with clear evaluation criteria.
- Red flag: The hiring panel don’t have a clear understanding what the role is and what “good” will look like within the role. This suggests that you won’t get clarity when working because they aren’t sure what they want and it also suggests that what defines good may constantly be shifting.
- Red flag: They ask illegal questions. Check your jurisdiction about what is protected by human rights laws, but if the hiring panel asks questions like, “So do you have children?” or “What did you do for Christmas?” you may be working with people who are biased or even prejudiced.
- Green flag: They give you time to ask questions. This shows they care about what you have to say and they care about ensuring you have clarity about the role and company.
- Green flag: They have two or more people in the interview. This means they value group decision making and that they want to reduce bias by having more opinions during the hiring process.
4. Vet the Process
Overall, reflect on how the company treats you throughout the hiring process. The in-between steps can speak volumes.
- Red flag: Unrealistic scheduling. For example, if they demand an in-person interview within 48 hours or rushing you through lengthy assessments while you are still in a full-time job. This means they don’t value your personal time.
- Red flag: They pressure to accept an offer quickly or without time to review. This tactic hints at a top-down, power-based culture.
- Green flag: Use of standardized assessments (including interviews). This shows that they value evidence over gut instinct.
- Green flag: Consistent messaging. When you talk with the recruiter versus the hiring manager versus the posting, you hear the same information about the role and the company.
Overall, job hunting is more than matching skills to a posting. By spotting these green, yellow, and red flags, you protect your well-being and set yourself up for a workplace where you—and your career—can thrive.
