It’s always a good idea to look out for “red flags” when interviewing with a new company. Factors like company turnover, low salaries, unfit culture, receiving mixed messages are all indicators that encourage you to stay away.
While it’s common for job seekers to focus on companies’ “red flags”, it is also as important to take into account the “green flags”, or the positive factors about a job that give you a good feeling and make you want to see the interview process through.
What are these “green flags” that an interviewer/ recruiter do or say that arouse interest and spark excitement about the job position?
1. Writing a Clear Job Description
Have you ever read a job description all the way through only to realize that you still didn’t grasp the role?
Many job descriptions are frequently filled with complex language of duties to the point that they turn away good potential candidates.
We often find candidates confused about the job they apply for because the job description is too dense.
That’s why having a plain and simple job description that’s limited to the main and important job responsibilities show candidates that you have a clear expectations and are able to communicate it in a way that they understand.
2. Interviewer/ Recruiter is Honest about the Good/ Bad aspects of the Role.
Sure, it is normal to talk about all the good qualities and benefits the job is gonna offer to try to attract candidates. During the hiring process, we have a tendency to only mention the positive aspects of the job and the company.
But candidates are smart, they are aware of the fact that no company or job is perfect and that every job has its own difficulties.
By discussing some potential problems or areas for improvement with the candidate along with the positives, you have the chance to establish credibility and trust.
Long-term hiring quality will also be improved by doing this because it makes it easier to find candidates who are actually a good fit for the position and the team. If you don’t disclose any obstacles, you run the risk of hiring someone who is only interested in the rewards and won’t put in the effort.
3. The Hiring Team Follow up Quickly.
It can be stressful to look for a job. Therefore, when someone applies for a job, they often want a response as soon as possible.
Candidates will feel more at ease knowing that you haven’t forgotten about them and that you care about their experience if you answer to their questions, comments, and concerns right away. It has a big impact!
4. The Hiring Team is Respectful of Your Time.
It is quite time consuming to apply for jobs. A candidate’s time might quickly be eaten up by the application and interview processes. A significant turnoff usually demands too much of a candidate, such as 3+ interviews, sample projects, or other commitments.
Keep in mind that how you handle someone’s time during the interview process will likely reflect how you would handle them on the job.
5. They are Interested in You as a Person and Not Just as an Employee.
All recruiters and hiring managers focus on your professional achievements, your skills, and background. Because that’s how they know if you will be a good fit for the job. But what about your interests outside the office, your goals and personality?
People seek a sense of connection at their work, a sense that they belong. They want to be a part of your work culture and have good relations with their colleagues.
Everyone’s going to have different “green flags” that stand out most to them. There may be minor things that, depending on your preferred career path, might really motivate you to go above and beyond in terms of your future employment. If you’re curious, don’t be afraid to ask!