6th March 2025
Hunting for work can be hard enough, but, when combined with online scams that simply want to collect your data and uncaring employers posting inaccurate job listings – it can feel like an impossible minefield to navigate.
To secure the career of your dreams, you need to find an employer who will value your needs and care about your goals. Throughout the onboarding process, there’s plenty of opportunities for you to collect information and decide whether a job is worth taking.
#1 Slow Communication
Employers who are unable to respect your time during candidate selection are unlikely to respect you after you’ve signed a contract. If you send a query that isn’t responded to, or you aren’t being kept in the loop for weeks on end: then proceed with caution.
The average job in Digital, Marketing and Tech positions takes roughly 42 days to fill, and if someone is reaching out after months of waiting; they aren’t prioritizing you as much as they’ll want you to prioritize them.
Slow (or even no) communication is an easy warning sign to watch out for.
#2 Low Salary and Benefit Offers
When choosing an employer, don’t waste your time with someone offering lower-than-average salaries.
Even if you’re hunting for an entry-level position, take the time to research basic salary and benefit expectations for your industry.
Anyone who’s promising minimum rates in a full-time job with “potential to advance” isn’t ready to make the commitment of hiring. You are worth so much more than you know.
#3 Unwillingness to Negotiate
Sometimes you have to give them the benefit of the doubt, and employers are simply unaware that their benefits and salaries aren’t in-line with candidate expectations, and, in this case, negotiations should proceed.
However, when a company starts dodging your requests and proves themselves unwilling to rework contracts (such as offering a flexible working schedule) – then you should say goodbye to working with them.
In 2022, we’re in a highly candidate-driven market, and businesses should be able to listen to your requests and meet you in a place that’s suitable for you both.
#4 Bad Reputation Online
There are plenty of sites out there where an employee can post reviews about their treatment at work – and taking these opinions on board will help you decide whether or not to accept (or apply) for a job.
If a company is smaller and you are struggling to find employer information online, consider checking out LinkedIn and seeing how long employees have stayed with a company.
A high turnover rate would suggest that a company isn’t looking after their staff.
#5 Uncomfortable Interviews
An interview should make you feel warm and welcome, and if you feel uneasy in front of the hiring manager – then who’s to say that you won’t always feel that way?
Microagressions and snide comments are a red flag that you can usually deduce from the questions asked, like ones that quiz into small periods of unemployment between jobs. A suitable employer would treat you with respect and intrigue; eager to get to know you whilst also willing to answer your questions.
Choosing Your New Employer
Choosing a job can be hard and choosing a suitable employer will prove even harder. Thankfully, being selective with your applications will help you score a progressive and rewarding career path. When applying, look for:
Consider working with a recruiter who will put your needs first. They’ll be a voice in a position of power who can negotiate and make requests on your behalf, placing you in a competitive position with a bright future ahead of you.