Beware of the Warning Signs Before You Take a Job

It’s a fear most of us have when it comes to keeping the job we have or taking a leap of faith and accepting a new job:  What if I hate it?

According to a recent Forbes Magazine article, choosing the wrong job if a common mistake for many job seekers. But common as it is, that does not mean it’s not preventable. Forbes went on to list 5 warning signs to watch for before you get settled into a job that’s not right for you.

The responsibilities don't match the compensation
Most of our job descriptions include it: perform other duties as needed.  For the most part, no on minds helping out ‘as needed’ but if that little phrase is hiding what feels like an entirely other 40 hour per week job and not a huge increase in salary… you may want to rethink the job.  If the “other duties” are taking away from the job you thought you’d applied for and don’t seem to fit into your career’s ‘bigger picture’, it may be time to move on.

There's a lack of learning opportunities
Does the company you’re hoping to work for set their staff up for success?  If there is no opportunity for you to gain additional skills or education in the industry- is the company really investing in your development?  If you are thrown into a role and expected to be successful without any outside support or playbook, be sure you are 100% ready to take on that challenge.

If feels like a step backwards
If a job truly doesn’t line up with your career goals for yourself, you may have taken a step backwards. Look out for phrases from the hiring manager like “this may be a step down for you” or “you may be overqualified”.  Take the hint! You are about to take a job that is not going to advance your career goals and will likely end up disappointing you.

There's a high turnover rate
Be sure to look up the company prior to accepting the job on sites like GlassDoor. Is there a high turnover rate?  Do former employees leave reviews suggesting how things could have been better in the workplace?  Ask the hiring manager how they deal with the growing pains of business.  See how the question is answered and determine if the high turnover rate was coincidence, normal for that specific industry or a giant red flag warning you to run.

No one asks you what your long term goal is
If no one asks you about where you see yourself in five years, it’s up to you to bring it up.  Does your role have the potential to evolve into something bigger?  Is there room for you to grow within the company and take on a new role?  If there is no clear answer to your questions, you may be signing up for a dead-end job.  If you are just getting started in your career, a dead-end job is NOT something worth investing your time into.