The Red and Green Flags to Look Out For When Searching for a Role

Your job and life satisfaction are intrinsically linked. We can’t overstate the value of this connection. A job can have a profound impact on our happiness, stress levels and even physical health. Jobs are so much more than just a paycheck — they’re significant chunks of our lives.

Spending hours each day in a job that doesn’t align with your values, interests, or expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and regret, which can feel demoralising and affect your overall well-being.

Whether you’re a senior full stack developer or a senior cyber security engineer, understanding how to spot flags throughout the job search process is an important skill. It’s not just about landing any job; it’s about finding the right one for you.

Here’s how to identify the red and green flags at every stage of your job search to ensure you’re making the right decisions.

The Holy Grail of Green Flags: Human-Centric Work Design

According to Gartner, human-centric work design is the future of work and is the direction in which any company that seeks to succeed and attract top talent is to head. The statistics below further support this:

• 82% of employees agree it is important that their organisation sees them as a person, not just an employee.
• 96% of HR leaders are more concerned about employees ‘well-being today than before the pandemic.

Organisations that prioritise their people tend to excel. As a result, employees in these high-performing environments enjoy better work-life balance, job satisfaction and overall well-being. Notably, high-performing workplaces also have a beneficial impact on an individual’s sense of belonging and community within the organisation. 

When conducting your job search, look for signs that a company values its people both on paper and in practice. These will indicate the company structures its work in a way that recognises the human in each role.

When Applying for Jobs

The initial step in your job search usually involves sifting through various job listings. Here are some red and green flags to look for during this stage:

Red flags

• Vague job descriptions:

Be wary of job postings that lack details about the role’s responsibilities and requirements. A vague job description can indicate poor organisation within the company and a disorganised work environment.

• Excessive turnover:

Frequent job postings for the same position within a company can signal high turnover rates. A toxic work environment or poor management could be the cause, which could ultimately affect your job satisfaction.

Green flags

• Clear job descriptions:

A well-defined job description with specific responsibilities and qualifications demonstrates that the company has a clear vision of what they are looking for in a candidate. Clarity in the job posting isn’t the only positive indicator, but it’s always an important one.

• (Mostly) Positive Online Reviews:

Research the company on platforms like Glassdoor or read employee reviews on Google to gain insights into the company culture and employee satisfaction. Look for patterns, such as multiple reviews highlighting similar themes or issues. Positive reviews can point to a healthy work environment and a supportive team.

The Interview Process

The interview process is a key opportunity for assessing if a role and company aligns with your expectations and values. Here are the red and green flags to watch out for:

Red Flags

• Late or unprofessional interviewers:

Interviewers who are excessively late or show unprofessional behaviour reflect poorly on the company. It might indicate a lack of respect for candidates and employees or a disorganised work culture — or both!

• Rushed interviews:

An overly short or hurried interview process can signify that company isn’t taking hiring seriously, potentially leading to misalignment in job roles and expectations. If you finish the interview feeling like you haven’t learned much about the company or the role, be sure to ask follow-up questions.

Green Flags

• Structured interviews:

Well-structured interviews that follow a clear agenda and involve thoughtful questions demonstrate the employer values your time and the hiring process.

• Engaged interviewers: 

Interviewers who show genuine interest in your skills and ask relevant questions are likely part of a positive work environment where you can thrive and grow.

The Post-Interview/Job Offer Phase

After receiving a job offer, you must evaluate whether it’s the right fit for you. Here are some red and green flags to consider at the offer stage:

Red Flags

• Non-negotiable terms: 

If a company refuses to negotiate crucial aspects such as salary, benefits, or work hours, this may indicate a lack of flexibility or a limited commitment to employee well-being.

• Poor communication: 

A lack of clear communication or transparency regarding your salary, hours, job responsibilities, or company policies can lead to significant misunderstandings once you’ve begun working in a role.

Green Flags

• Competitive salary:

Companies that can offer a fair salary and benefits package that aligns with industry standards demonstrate they value employees. Do your research to understand the current market rates for your role and experience level, so you can readily identify when a company is offering fair pay. 

• Open and honest communication: 

A company that encourages open dialogue and promptly addresses your questions and concerns will likely have a positive work environment where you can thrive and collaborate effectively.

Use a Tech Recruiter to Minimise the Guesswork

As you navigate the complex world of the job search, it’s essential to recognise positive and negative signs of an employer’s workplace culture, policies and management style. The good news is that these are identifiable with a little research, awareness and engaging with the right partners to get the best outcome.   To eliminate the guesswork from your job search and make informed decisions about job offers, an experienced tech recruiter like Movement8 can give you the expert guidance you need. Our team works with Full-Stack Developers, Cyber Security Engineers and everyone in between. They will match you with the right job opportunities and maximise your chance of finding a role you love. Your career path is a critical aspect of your life; make it a success story from start to finish. Contact our team today.