When you are offered a new job, it can be tempting to sign on the dotted line immediately and celebrate. Who would turn down an attractive pay package, bonuses and benefits?
Before you say yes, however, here are some things you should take note of.
1. The company has very little information or is painted in a bad light
Most companies have an online presence that indicates who they are, what they do and who the founders are. Those that are not online are probably small, family-owned enterprises.
Start-ups are an exception, but just because they claim to be a start-up, it does not mean they are. A start-up that is looking to hire should also have credentials and papers to show.
Do your due diligence. A single negative review does not necessarily mean it is a bad company. But working for a business with many bad reviews is probably not a smart idea.
2. You are not given attention, time or respect during the interview
An interviewer could be distracted or might interrupt you while you are talking. While this is annoying, it is worth giving them the benefit of the doubt.
If, however, the interviewer dismisses you while you are still talking, then you are better off taking your skills to a company that is deserving and respectful of your time.
3. The interviewer does not answer your question
This could indicate that he or she does not know what is going on, or never bothered to learn about the business. They could also be new to the company.
In some cases, the company could be carrying out shady practices or have something to hide. Be wary – if the interviewer is not answering you, how will you know enough about the business or what you are supposed to do?
4. You are pressured on the spot to join or buy something
This could be a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company, which hires people to sell a product or to recruit others to market their product.
While an MLM company is a legal entity, be careful of being promised an excellent compensation package only to be sold something instead of earning.
It could also be a Ponzi scheme, which works similarly except there is no product involved. It is simply a recruitment drive where each new recruit has to pay a joining fee, which goes to the upper echelons of the company.
5. The position in the company compromises your career prospects
This is a tricky one because everyone’s career prospects are different. Do some soul searching – what do I want in my career? Would taking this job provide advancement or make me stay where I am?
More importantly, would I be happy in this position, doing what they ask me to do?
This article first appeared in The New Savvy.
The New Savvy is Asia’s leading financial, investments and career platform for women. Our bold vision is to empower 100 million women to achieve financial happiness. We deliver high-quality content through conferences, e-learning platforms, personal finance apps and e-commerce stores.