Receiving that \u2018Congratulations\u2026\u2019 email after weeks of applications, interviews and stress can be a huge rush. You spring out of bed buzzing with energy, get to the office an hour early and work harder than ever, thrilled to have seized this dream role!<\/p>\n
But how many of us know where this story is heading? The 9-5 becomes a 7-11, the \u2018cool\u2019 boss is at boiling point, and no one else in the office is smiling\u2026<\/p>\n
Just like a whirlwind romance, a new job can quickly sour after the honeymoon period. The pandemic prompted a lot of people to rethink their careers and take bold steps to change them.\u00a0For some, the choice to leave one company for another has proven to be the right one. Others, however, are finding the grass isn\u2019t always greener<\/a>. In their haste to leave an unfulfilling job, they\u2019ve overlooked the importance of doing in-depth research on a company that looks like a perfect fit.<\/p>\n So, how can you tell if a job opportunity is right for you? Here are some green flags to look for in a prospective employer.<\/p>\n Take a look at any successful company\u2019s website and social media. Chances are you\u2019ll see photos of the team enjoying away days and after-work drinks like a group of old friends. This is a great indicator of a company striving to regularly bring a team together \u2013 the importance of which can be forgotten in the current excitement around hybrid and remote working. You may even wish to reach out to your potential colleagues for their own experiences in the office.<\/p>\n Many companies have clearly defined policies around Diversity & Inclusion, often available to view on their website. While this is a good start, it\u2019s worth looking at the reality in their team via social media, and by asking questions in the interview process. Reviews from employees on career sites can also be revealing. If there\u2019s a lack of diversity, an honest answer from the interviewers is still a sign of their awareness of the issue.<\/p>\n Applying and interviewing for jobs is stressful at the best of times, but not hearing a \u2018yes\u2019 or \u2018no\u2019 for weeks at a time can be unbearable. Regular updates from the recruitment team show there is as much respect for the candidate\u2019s time as there is for the company\u2019s. During this back-and-forth it\u2019s also good practice to pay attention to how accommodating they are with interview dates and times. If a company is understanding of prior commitments in your calendar, such as the school run, it\u2019s a good hint at how flexibly it will treat you as an employee.<\/p>\n The classic \u201cWhere do you see yourself in five years?\u201d could just as easily be countered with \u201cWhere do you<\/em> see me?\u201d While we certainly don\u2019t advise being quite so forward, the point stands that a company needs to be able to show there are real opportunities for you to learn new skills and climb the career ladder beyond the role in question. Examples from its current workforce are the best proof.<\/p>\n The importance of a healthy work-life balance has been in the spotlight for a while now, encouraging employers to place much more emphasis on it in their job adverts. But this is an easy area for them to fall short in due to our 24hour connectivity and ability to work remotely. In the interviews, be sure to delve into any benefits offered like holiday, flexible hours\/days, personal days, life-coaching, and mental health initiatives.<\/p>\n What connects all these positive indicators is the proof that a company acts on its word. If you can see the employer puts its money where its mouth is, or at the very least is transparent in its shortcomings and efforts to amend them, you can rest easy that this is a company with a human approach to business.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to take the next steps in your career evolution, and would like advice and help finding a role and company that will match your principles, please get in touch<\/a> today.<\/p>\n Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Feel free to read more on our\u00a0Insights<\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Receiving that \u2018Congratulations\u2026\u2019 email after weeks of applications, interviews and stress can be a huge rush. You spring out of bed buzzing with energy, get to the office an hour early and work harder than ever, thrilled to have seized this dream role! But how many of us know where this story is heading? The<\/p>\nPositive workplace culture<\/h4>\n
Transparent diversity & inclusion initiatives<\/h4>\n
Good communication and flexibility during the hiring process<\/h4>\n
Clear career progression opportunities<\/h4>\n
Respect for work-life balance<\/h4>\n