When you are interviewing or close to accepting a new position, you need to think about the environment provided by your new employer. There are some red flags that you can look out for that might give you an idea of the company’s culture and how it does business. These red flags should cause you to take pause, reconsider your decision, and possibly take a position somewhere else.
1 – They Have A History of Misclassifying Employees
You should look into your new employer and see if they have been the subject of any complaints for the misclassification of employees. When this is the case, employees are often downgraded to contractors so that the company can save money on taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. The state should have a record of these complaints, or you can read public records from the IRS that show the company might have a history of misclassifying employees.
You do not want to be stuck with the tax bill because your new employee is trying to save money. This also foments a culture of mistrust for everyone in the office.
2 – The Company Has a “Toxic” Culture
When you interview with a company, you typically get to visit the office or meet a few members of the staff during a video call. You should not go to work for a company where the employees look unhappy, where the managers seem to use crafted language, or the hiring manager does not take your boundaries seriously. For example, you might have a personal reference who is an educator. You instruct the hiring manager to call this individual after school hours, but the hiring manager calls your reference while they are in class. Someone who breaks boundaries before you get the job will demolish your boundaries after you are hired.
Another example could include office morale. You might hear that the people in the office are always afraid of being fired. Employees might also tell stories of not receiving workers’ compensation insurance, being intimidated so as to not report injuries, or being told that they do not qualify for certain benefits that are required under state law.
The employees might tell you that they do not get paid on-time, or the office may have a high turnover rate. People leave the company quickly, frequently, and on bad terms for a reason.
3 – The Company Does Not Make Your Responsibilities Clear
When you interview and you are not allowed to ask questions, you should avoid that company. You might go to work with a company that does not outline your responsibilities. You might also have a contract that does not clearly define the job, your pay, or any benefits you might receive. Have an employment lawyer read through your contract before you sign, and do not sign anything at the interview. Companies that want you to make split-second decisions about employment are often trying to force you into a bad situation.
You should be alert and vigilant when interviewing because you do not want to take a job that will drain your resources, energy, and love for your career or industry.