Situation Number one
The business has been around for years but most, if not all of the staff are fairly new to the business. High staff turnover is a great way to instantly see that the employer is not great to work for and will not give you an environment to thrive in. At interview ask questions to gauge staff longevity. How long have you been here? What do you enjoy about working for the company? Also, has the job listing been posted everywhere and seems to always be active? Another sign that staff turnover is high and staff moral is very low.
Situation Number Two
Is the job being sold to you a little too enthusiastically? Couple this with a vague job description and you have the perfect storm. Run while you still can, cause this is more than likely a pyramid scheme or hard sell scam. This especially holds true if the company tends to use lots of bullshit buzzwords such as “be your own boss” “blue sky thinking” “the sky’s the limit”. This is just a way to sound positive and obfuscate the actual role.
And if they ask you for cash before you begin working in any form, leave immediately.
Situation Number Three
Is the interviewer bad mouthing their current workforce and can’t wait for you to join? Flattery is great but once you’re in, what’s to stop them treating you badly while badmouthing you to the next candidate that walks through the door?
Situation Number Four
When you ask about career progression and don’t get a clear answer. If you’re ambitious, make sure you have a clear path set out before you accept that job offer. Otherwise you might find yourself stagnating while promises, deadlines and promotions come and go.
Situation Number Five
Watch the workers while you wait for your interview. How is their body language? Do they seem happy or down trodden? Also keep an eye on how they interact with the boss. Are their interactions easy and professional or do the workforce seem scared or unsure around their leader? Always remember, if you accept that job offer, this could be you in no time at all.