OUTSIDE THE INTERVIEW: DO YOUR HOMEWORK
While learning to spot red flags in interviews is important, we must also learn to do so outside of your interactions with potential future employers.
Preparation is key to understanding a company beyond what they present during interviews.
Consult platforms like Glassdoor for employee reviews, but take them with a grain of caution. Reach out to your network to gather firsthand insights about the company’s reputation and culture. These steps can help you spot discrepancies between the company’s public image and internal reality.
Whenever possible, request to speak with team members beyond HR and the hiring manager, such as potential peers or cross-functional collaborators. These conversations can offer a more rounded view of the workplace culture and team dynamics.
Pay attention to their tone and the consistency of their feedback about the company’s work environment and values.
Additionally, consider situational red flags in your research and discussions. For example, initial disorganisation in a fast-growing startup may reflect the challenges of scaling quickly while providing opportunities for rapid career growth. In small- and medium-size enterprises, resource constraints may present a structural need for multitasking but can also foster broader skill development.
Be mindful of your own personal career aspirations and tolerance for ambiguity, so you can better determine whether these are temporary challenges or signs of deeper issues. If concerns arise, you can ask follow-up questions even after the interview(s), such as:
- “How is the company addressing this challenge?”
- “What improvements or changes are planned in the near future?”
Seeking clarity ensures a more informed perspective and helps you decide if the company aligns with your expectations and goals.
FIND A PLACE NOT JUST TO WORK, BUT THRIVE
A job interview is not just about landing a role; it’s about finding a workplace where you can thrive. By approaching interviews as a two-way street, asking thoughtful questions and doing your due diligence, you can better assess whether a company is the right fit for you.
Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to walk away if you spot too many red flags. After all, the right opportunity should align with your values and support your professional growth =- not compromise them.
Dorothy Yiu is the chief executive officer and co-founder of EngageRocket, a global employee experience platform.
