After refining your resume, browsing Sabio Systems’ open job listings, and taking a calculated leap — you landed an interview. Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare for your first face-to-face conversation with your potential new employer.
In this initial interaction, you’ll be responsible for showcasing your ability, experience, and professionalism. It’s no wonder, then, that most job-seeking professionals spend their prep time researching the company and rehearsing answers to common interview questions.
Before you start scripting out your responses, though, remember that this conversation will offer glimpses into the day to day reality of being employed by this company, too. Over 70% of job candidates say the hiring process was an indicator of how much the company supported its employees.
That means your job interview is not just a chance to prove your proficiencies. It’s also an opportunity to vet the business, learn more about the team’s values, and discern whether or not you’ll thrive in their company culture.
Keep reading to learn about spotting green flags, avoiding jobs that don’t support your lifestyle, and more from the recruiters at Sabio Systems with over 35 years of experience.
What is a Green Flag?
A red flag signals a potential problem or issue. In an interview, that could look like the interviewer asking inappropriate questions, or nodding off during your responses. We highly recommend working with an experienced hiring professional so that never happens!
A green flag signifies the exact inverse. It’s a sign of a healthy work-life balance, a welcoming company, or company ethics that fully align with yours.
Knowing that your work and personhood will be valued, supported, and properly compensated is vital to flourishing long term in a new role. If you’re discerning and present during your interview, you can get all that information and more. Look for these 5 green flags before you accept a new job offer, move companies, or make a career change.
1. Clear Communication
Accepting a new job can be a major step in your life, and not something most people take lightly.
Companies and interviewers who understand this will outline all of the duties, requirements, and benefits of the role openly. This demonstrates the management’s cohesion and clarity, and allows you to make your decision confidently.
If the expectations for your job interview are communicated to you directly, that’s a green flag. Your interviewer should be able to provide information on the when, where, who, and what of your interview process at minimum.
Surprise aptitude tests, visits from the CEO, or location changes could signal a lack of organization within a company. Be sure you’re ready to take on that challenge before accepting a role with a disorganized business.
2. Opportunities for Growth
Does the job you’re interviewing for offer any room for expansion?
In 2022, the number one reason for changing jobs was a career opportunity. So, if you plan to be employed by the business long term, having the ability to evolve is crucial to staying inspired in your role.
Ask the employer or interviewer for examples of industry specific resources, networking connections, and education options you might explore down the road. If the company can provide a solid, consistent track record of supporting their employees’ development, that’s a good sign. Another green flag!
You might also consider inquiring about their hiring process for higher level or management roles. Do the decision makers try to promote within the company before hiring external applicants? If so, this role might be the perfect way to broaden your experience and advance your career.
(When you’re ready to effectively network with your new industry contacts, read the Sabio Systems connection guide first!)
3. Respect for Your Time
Everyone has a different schedule. Some job seekers are currently employed, have family responsibilities or a disability, or are pursuing higher education.
Furthering the idea of clear expectations outlined above: a competent company will honor time commitments and inquire about your availability. If a hiring manager takes a conscientious approach to your job interview process, that is a green flag.
Nearly 60% of online job seekers give up mid-way through a job application if it is too long or complex. While company time is invaluable as well, a modernized, respectful business will be conscious of the fact your time, before hiring, is volunteered.
Avoid jobs that require multiple hours of assessments, unnecessary rounds of interviewing, or an unhealthy time commitment before an official offer.
4. Honesty and Reflection
While you’re inquiring about employee support, expectations, and required experiences, make note of how the interviewer responds.
Taking time to reflect and answer your questions honestly speaks to the openness and professionalism of the business — another green flag. If an interviewer is uncomfortable or robotic when asked about how the company handles interpersonal conflict, for example, it could mean that direct communication is discouraged.
A company culture that values the needs and perspectives of its employees will always welcome professional and straightforward communication, even in the case of discussing issues, discord, or improvements needed.
If you get the role and need extra support, check out the top 3 tips for dealing with difficult coworkers from the qualified recruiters at Sabio Systems.
5. Thoughtful and Personal
Hiring managers, business owners, and recruiters don’t always have the time or the impulse to approach your interview thoughtfully. When they do, notice it as a green flag!
When an interviewer goes beyond the stereotypical questions and expresses interest in you, as a person, it usually means the business is committed to its employees. Companies that focus on fostering authentic connections will, most likely, have a supportive and conducive working environment.
This green flag might arise in the form of questions about what you need to thrive, what your career goals are, or even what you like to do in your spare time. A top notch employer will also allow for thorough, honest responses and not rush through the relationship building process.
Need more advice on being prepared, dressing for success, and interview follow up? Read on here, for Sabio Systems’ top three tips for nailing an interview.