Scott Kirsner, columnist for the Boston Globe and voice of innovation here in the New England region, recently compiled a series of indicators that a search may not be a good fit. One of the most frequent warning signs Kirsner came across was vagueness in the job description, or unclear explanations of what the job entails. We’ve come up with our own harbingers that you shouldn’t take the job to supplement his list...
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No one gives you a chance to ask any questions
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Different people interviewing you give widely varying accounts of what the job entails
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Courtesy counts! Are you kept waiting without any explanation? Not offered a place to hang your coat?
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The company doesn't check references
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Compensation becomes the equivalent of Middle East peace negotiations
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You feel in your gut that the person to whom you report is someone you truly don't feel you'll get along with
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Your spouse (if they've met that person) says "Honey, I really don't have a good feeling about this"
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The company takes more than 4 weeks between interviews
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You ask each interviewer "So what are the critical deliverables in the first 6 to 12 months" and you get different answers from each
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You ask "How many people have been in this role in the last few years?" and they answer more than 2 and those 2 are no longer with the organization (OK if 2 or more, ir they've gotten promoted within the organization to positions of higher visibility/responsibility)
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You learn that there has been a major reorg between when you started to interview and current
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(If privately held/investor backed) you ask whether current investors will be investing "for sure" pro rata in the next round and you get equivocation
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(If privately held/investor backed) you ask how much burn rate remains and you get less than 12 months
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Vague or inconsistent description of job
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People making negative comments about company or other employees during your interview
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Not being comfortable with workplace or culture
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People working really long hours
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Company being in a rush to hire you (only one or two interviews, or interviewing with only 1 or 2 company representatives).
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What's the history of this position. Newly created, or replacement? If replacement, it is a safer role. If "newly created," there is higher risk that in a downturn or strategic pivot in the company, the position is deemed "non essential"
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Boss’s last name is Madoff, nickname is "Chainsaw Al" or company name is Lehman Brothers
For Scott Kirsner’s article, click here.
