If you are unemployed and have been slaving away at the job market trying to get your resume into the hands of every potential company, then you know it’s hard work. Even if you are currently employed and looking for a new position because you are unsatisfied, getting noticed by employers is difficult. Of course, when you use Spark Hire’s video resume, it’s a lot easier to get noticed by employers, but we already all know that, right? Employers know that the job market is rough out there, it’s no secret. That is why you need to be extra careful when you are interviewing and take every precaution to make sure this company is one you actually want to work for.
When you get invited to participate in an interview with a company who’s open position you applied for, there is a whole batch of emotions swirling. For one, it’s exciting. It’s great to see your hard work come to fruition and getting an interview is that one step closer to getting what you want. You’re also nervous, curious, motivated and, if you’re smart, very inquisitive. That’s because a job interview isn’t just an interview for the employer, it’s a chance for you to get to know the company as well. During an interview you need to have a lot of questions for the employer so that you can get a good feeling as to whether or not you would like to work there. Take a look at some of these signs that prove this company is likely not a great company to work for and if you encounter any of them yourself, politely run the other way!
They Make You Jump Through Hoops
The interview process is tough, this is true. However, no interview process should take forever. Traditionally, here’s how it goes. You apply, they are interested and email you to set up a time to talk on the phone. You have a phone interview and if they like you, they ask you to come into the office for an interview. If that goes well, they may offer you the position here or they may set up a second round of interviews to be really thorough. After that second round of interviews, they should know who they want and who they don’t want. Of course, every company is different and a third interview isn’t uncommon. However, if you feel like this company is making you jump through hoops for them, then perhaps you should reconsider.
Lengthy tests, packets of paperwork and grueling, intense interviews across the board are a bit ridiculous. If you have come in for interview, after interview, after interview, you should start questioning why this company hasn’t quite gotten it together yet. Of course, huge corporations hiring for very prestigious positions may have an intense hiring process, but that’s because their position is top-tier. If your interviewing for an entry level position or a smaller position, and the interview process is taking forever forcing you to jump through hoops, then this company may not be the one you want to work for. Everyone needs a job, but you may end up hating this company in the end and you’ll have to go through this all over again. Not fun. And might I add, not economical.
They Hire You in a Second
So, you don’t want a company that makes you jump through hoops, but you also don’t want a company that is desperate and hires you on the spot. The interview process shouldn’t be drawn out, true, but it also shouldn’t be abnormally short. If the first interview you have is short and the interviewer doesn’t ask you many questions about you to get a feel of what you’re about, then you should make sure to ask them a ton of questions. Ask them why they are hiring, how many people they are hiring and where the company is going. Desperate companies make their positions look great, when in reality, they simply need to hire another person because their employees keep quitting.
A good, sound company will take their time in the hiring process and will be patient. They aren’t quick to jump on the first seemingly qualified person. They take their time and get a feel for which candidates will work and which won’t. Good companies want employees for the long-term, not just someone to fill another’s spot. If you’re getting the feeling like this company is desperate, then it’s likely not the right company for you. Hint: companies like this put the pressure on and want you to give them a decision quick. ie., they’ll say, “I really need to fill this position and get going, so you have to let me know if you think this is a position you’d want.” Or, “I’m hiring three people and need them to start right away, so give me your decision by the end of the day.” There should be no rush to hire. This company is desperate and you are not. Walk away.
Employees Come and Go, and Come and Go Again
As stated earlier, good companies want their employees there for the long-term. They don’t hire people just to get the job done, but want their employees to be happy and satisfied as well. The kind of company you do not want to work for has a very high turn over rate when it comes to their employees. That’s because the employees they once had realized how awful this company was and decided to leave. If this company is doing a mass hiring, then perhaps that means there was a mass exodus of employees. This points to unorganized managers, unsatisfactory company culture or just overall dissatisfaction with the work and/or employer.
You’re the Elder
With the job market still recovering, things are all jumbled up. Young adults can’t find sound positions, so they create their own. For instance, a lot of startups have been headed by young adults. This is a great thing and speaks wonders for the young adults of today. The job market wasn’t giving them what they needs, so they made it for themselves. However, if you are older and more experienced, then you probably don’t want to be working for a younger employer. That’s not to say that young adults cannot handle the responsibilities of running a company, but Forbes has the right of it when they say that “most people don’t have the maturity and professional experience to be a great boss until they’ve been around the block a few times.” If you are just getting into the market yourself, then chances are you are looking for a mentor and someone you can learn from. You likely won’t get this from your employer because they are learning the ropes themselves. If this isn’t something you are willing to deal with, then look for a job somewhere else.
SOURCE: Forbes
IMAGE: Courtesy of Cartoon Stock
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