Applying for a job? Learn how to spot red flags before signing offer letter

In conversation with indianexpress.com, job seekers and experts reveal what signs you can look for in the interview stage itself, and determine whether you should consider signing that offer letter or not.

Poor communication

Varsha Chandrashekhar, a public relations professional, says “The basic courtesy that an organisation can show is switching on your video icon during an interview taken from home. If you’re not able to have a decent face to face (even if it is on video) conversation with your potential employee and instead dive into KRAs, you know you’re in for a hostile work till you drop the environment.” Counselling psychologist Damini Grover adds that a lack of clear communication and disorganisation can indicate “broader issues with the management or company culture.”

High staff turnover

A high staff turnover can be a clear-cut indication of a broken company structure. It stems from a combination of several issues, including lack of incentives, slow progression, high work pressure, workplace hostility, poor working conditions, among others. Grover explains, “If the interviewer mentions high turnover rates or if you notice a pattern of employees leaving the company quickly, it could be a sign of underlying problems within the organisation.” You will notice that there is a constant flow of employees in and out of the company, due to a highly unsatisfactory environment and it is considered best to stay away from it.

Lack of necessary equipment and infrastructure

From personal experience as a job seeker, Sharwin Kailashi, a senior customer service executive, says, “I’ve interviewed for companies where they expected me to work on my personal laptop. That’s the biggest red flag for me.” Additionally, a lack of proper infrastructure is indicative of a crumbling organisation, which affects even the most basic resources and facilities that can hold everything together.

Negative employee reviews

Make sure to conduct thorough research and find out the workings of an organisation you are applying to. Negative employee reviews can tell you a lot about what the company culture is like and be careful during the hiring process. Ruchi Tambi, HR of Gradding.com, stresses, “Researching employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor can provide insight into the company culture and potential issues such as poor management, low morale, or inadequate work-life balance”.

Inconsistent information

Inconsistency in providing information points towards a lack of transparency and mismanagement within the company, which can affect you in the long-term. Grover warns that receiving “conflicting information about the role, company culture, or expectations” should ring an alarm bell, adding that it is a sign of “disorganisation or lack of cohesion within the company”. Tambi says constant rescheduling, miscommunication of information between interviewers, and lack of preparation can indicate that the organisation is not a good place to work.

It is very important to be a keen observer during the interview process. By doing so, you can easily figure out if there is something wrong.

Before signing an offer letter, consider observing carefully and taking these necessary steps, as noted by Grover.

Frequency and severity

Normal workplace challenges are common and expected in any job, such as occasional conflicts, tight deadlines, or communication issues. However, if these challenges are frequent, severe, or persistent, they may indicate deeper underlying issues within the company. Pay attention to the extent and impact of the challenges mentioned during the interview process.

It is very important to be a keen observer during the interview process (Source: Freepik)

Consistency with company values

Evaluate whether the challenges align with the company’s stated values and culture. Normal workplace challenges are typically in line with the nature of the industry and the company’s operating environment. However, if the challenges contradict the company’s stated values or seem to go against ethical standards, they may be red flags.

Transparency and communication

Consider how transparent and forthcoming the company is about potential challenges during the interview process. A company that is open about its shortcomings and challenges demonstrates honesty and integrity, whereas a lack of transparency or evasive responses may indicate red flags.

Employee feedback and reviews

Seek out feedback from current and former employees to gain insights into the company’s culture, work environment, and challenges. Pay attention to recurring themes or patterns in employee reviews that may indicate more serious red flags, such as widespread dissatisfaction, turnover issues, or toxic behaviour.

Leadership and management style

Assess the leadership and management style of the company’s executives and managers. Effective leaders acknowledge and address workplace challenges proactively, whereas poor leadership may exacerbate existing issues or create new ones. Look for signs of micromanagement, lack of support, or ineffective communication from leadership.

Impact on employee well-being

Consider the potential impact of the challenges on your overall well-being and job satisfaction. Normal workplace challenges may be manageable and temporary, whereas more serious red flags, such as excessive stress, burnout, or negative impacts on mental health, can have long-lasting consequences.

Opportunities for improvement

Check whether the company demonstrates a willingness and commitment to addressing challenges and improving the work environment. A company that actively seeks feedback, invests in employee development, and implements constructive changes is more likely to overcome normal workplace challenges and create a positive and supportive work culture.

Workplace Wellbeing is a weekly series about the ins and outs of our work lives.