The Red Flag That Should Make You Think Twice About A Potential Employer
Applying for a new job and going through an interview is like a first date. The employer and the employee are both trying to see if this would be a good fit for a long-term relationship. While it may seem like the employer has all the power in this situation, that's not necessarily the case.
Of course, if you recently lost your job or desperately need income quickly, you will have less room to negotiate. However, it's okay to be picky if you are taking your time with your job search and are truly on the hunt for a position that checks all of your boxes.
When you interview for a company, don't be afraid to have some questions for the hiring manager as well. You may be able to better understand the company culture, what the work-life balance is like, and how stressful the day-to-day job responsibilities are. Certain responses are good to note, as they may indicate some major red flags. Before accepting a job offer, you need to ask yourself important questions.
A micromanaging boss will lead to frustrated employees
When you get hired as a new employee, there is a fine line between feeling supported or properly trained by the company for your position versus being micromanaged. An overbearing boss can make every day of work dreadful because you either feel like you can never do anything right or you're constantly having to "fix" tasks that were deemed inadequate.
Business Insider explains that having a "know-it-all" boss is not something employees will tolerate because it limits their own autonomy and creativity within their position. Employees want to feel like they got hired for a reason, because of the value and unique abilities they bring to the table. If a boss or supervisor is making all the decisions for your position, it can cause you to feel less purpose at work because your leaders don't trust you. When learning how to cope with a bad boss, instead of complaining to coworkers, try to ask your potential coworkers pertinent questions.
By asking the interviewer how new ideas or opinions within the company are approached, you'll be able to gauge how much of a voice you will have as an employee. On top of that, if you get the sense that the boss likes things a certain way, they will likely try to control every little task, even if it's yours.
Weigh the pros and cons of the position
While no job is going to be perfect, there is nothing wrong with having standards and desires for your career. Recognizing red flags from an employer in the interview process can save you and them a lot of time. A common mistake people make is accepting a job offer that isn't the right fit because the important questions weren't asked. This will only cause more stress and anxiety in your life, especially if you start feeling trapped in a position that you already want to quit.
Understanding what you want and need out of a job and from a boss is essential. Consider writing these things down before even going into the interview. Ask yourself what your non-negotiables are and how your ideal company would look. What are the character traits you associate with a good leader? How much freedom do you want and need in a workday? A red flag to you may not be a red flag to someone else.
Oftentimes, it depends on your personal values. If you want to feel connected to your company's mission or a part of a team that has certain core principles, you may need to research the actionable steps the company has taken in this area. Look at the company's website and read reviews from former employees. Once you complete an interview and are offered the job, don't be afraid to ask the employer for time to consider. You may even think of follow-up questions to ask. Ultimately, a job offer is a two-way street, and accepting it should feel right to you.