There is a TON of noise out there for a job hunter.

“You have to know somebody.”

“Customize your resume.”

“Don’t reach out cold.”

While all this may be true, at the end of the day, there is no universal method to find a job.

It simply just doesn’t exist.

Now, while there are no universal truths to follow to ensure you get a job - and the right job at that - I have identified a few green flags and red flags that can help guide you down the right path.

The average job hunt consists of hundreds of applications and can last up to 6 months!

My hope is that by following the below green/red flags you can save yourself some time, stress, and heartache.

If you’re on the job hunt, keep the following in mind. It may just save your career.

Green flags when job hunting:

✅ Employees are praising the company online
✅ They offer a health/wellness stipend (gym, therapist, etc.)
✅ The companies' headcount/revenue have grown YoY
✅ Diversity represented on the companies site
✅ They promote from within

Red flags when job hunting:

⛔️ "Work hard, play hard!"
⛔️ "We're a family."
⛔️ Lots of turnover
⛔️ No diversity
⛔️ A lengthy interview process

Let’s dive a bit deeper.

Green flags when job hunting:

✅ Employees are praising the company online

I’d be cautious of sites like Glassdoor, but typically, when employees are speaking highly of their employers online it’s because they truly enjoy their work environment.

If you see something on LinkedIn, reach out to that individual and ask if they have a few minutes to discuss their company's culture.

Online reviews are great, but in-person testimonials can seal the deal.

✅ They offer a health/wellness stipend (gym, therapist, etc.)

If a company is willing to pay for a gym membership they care about the health and happiness of their employees. It’s that simple.

And no, a crappy onsite gym with an elliptical and some free weights doesn’t count.

Search for companies that invest in your physical and mental health. They care about you as a person, not just an employee.

Hot tip… you can filter by this on many of the BuiltIn sites.

✅ The companies' headcount/revenue have grown YoY

No one wants to be a part of a failing company and everyone wants to be a part of a growing company.

Keep an eye out for internal promotions, new office space, and industry/city awards.

Growing companies talk about their growth. Failing companies don’t.

✅ Diversity represented on the companies site

Every company in the world claims to value diversity. Very few actually do.

The easiest way to check in on this is to simply check out their website.

If they actually hire and promote diverse individuals you’ll see it reflected on their People tab.

✅ They promote from within

One of the most frustrating things in the workplace is being passed up for a promotion, especially if it's an outside hire.

Room for growth matters.

Do some LinkedIn sleuthing and check out current employees’ career paths.

Look for advancement.

Red flags when job hunting:

⛔️ "Work hard, play hard!"

While “work hard, play hard” might have been attractive in an early 2000s job market, it is most definitely a red flag today.

There is no amount of happy hours, free company swag, or expensive events that can compensate for an unhealthy workplace.

Work hard, but work healthy.

⛔️ "We're a family."

No, you aren’t. You are a company.

If anything, a workplace is more like a Professional Sports team.

Good work should get you promoted and paid more. Bad work should get you cut.

It’s that simple.

Families have drama and nepotism, but workplaces shouldn’t.

⛔️ Lots of turnover

If people are leaving - they are leaving for a reason.

Steer clear.

⛔️ No diversity

When a company lacks diversity they send a message that says, “we put profits over people”

Even if you aren’t a diverse candidate, a lack of diversity is a warning sign for much larger problems.

⛔️ A lengthy interview process

Depending on the type of position, it should take no more than 3-5 interviews to secure an offer.

If it takes more there are most likely internal issues with communication, commitment, and trust.

If there is a mutual fit, a strong company will hire you quickly.


Remember, every job search is different.


Until next time,

Ben

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