BLOGS

In our haste to transform ourselves into the perfect candidate, we often forget that an interview is as much for the hiring manager as it is for the potential hire. While employers look for the symbolic green light to move you forward in the interview process, keep your eyes and ears peeled for green flags.

What's a green flag? Green flags are positive indicators that there's a supportive company culture that values the input and growth of its employees - the exact opposite of a 'red flag.'

Green Flags and Questions to Ask

There are endless possibilities for what can indicate a green flag during a job interview, so we've compiled a list of nine to look out for. Additionally, we've included questions to consider asking during the interview process that can help provide you with more insight into the role and company.

1. They respect your schedule

Employers who are in need of hiring a new employee may often show eagerness in speaking with potential candidates. However, considerate employers will find a time to meet that works for them and the candidate.

When and if you ask for flexibility, notice how understanding and willing a hiring manager is to work with your schedule. You'll find that many of the green flags during the hiring process have a similar through-line: at their core, communication is key.

2. They respond quickly to calls and emails

Whether you are calling to reschedule an interview or emailing to request a follow-up, a prompt response can say a lot about an employer. It's a clear green flag that they respect communication, which can also reflect a communicative managerial style.

• What is the preferred mode of communication amongst staff?
• How do you maintain open communication channels (email, meetings, reports, etc.)?

3. They are open about promoting healthy work-life balance

Your career is important. So is your life outside of the office. A supportive company culture is ideal, as is one that values a healthy work-life balance. Ensure your employer promotes a healthy work-life balance to combat dissatisfaction and burnout. You want a company that will prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Mandated time off and healthy sign-off hours reflect this.

4. Company leadership is diverse and communicative

The leadership of an organization reflects the values of that company. Diverse leadership indicates that the organization not only appreciates different voices but also looks to them for creative solutions. Open lines of communication between junior and senior-level staff can also promote a positive company culture. Find leadership that reflects your values.

• How would you describe the company's culture and leadership philosophy?
• Who would be my manager, and will I have the opportunity to meet them?

5. You meet the team, not just the hiring manager

Meeting other team members can give you a better idea of work dynamics. It also offers a more in-depth look at the kind of work you will be tackling, leading to more probing questions about how this position can add to the company's overall success. Bonus points if your predecessor is around to offer honest insight about the job you will potentially take over.

• How can I best contribute to the department?
• Are you most interested in a candidate who works independently, on a team, cross-functionally, or through a combination of them all? Can you give me an example?
• Is this a new position, or did someone leave? If someone left, what was their reason for leaving?

6. There's a history of promoting staff and opportunities for career mapping

Do interns become employees? Are junior-level staff promoted to senior-level positions? As you interview for the position, seek out evidence that your potential job can turn into a potential career. Interviewees should always be on the lookout for internal growth opportunities.

To learn about opportunities for growth at the company, consider asking what the typical career trajectory for a person in this position looks like.

7. The company invests in its people

A company should care about its employee's growth and be open to investing in its people. Encouraging development and offering the tools for members to expand their knowledge and experience reflects a healthy work culture.

Find out if the company invests in human capital, such as offering continued education or professional training. Your success is the company's success, after all.

8. The benefits are transparent

If the benefits and compensation are transparent, consider this a green flag. It seems like the most obvious and immediate green flag, but when you're on the job hunt, keep an eye out for plainly stated benefits and compensation in the listing. Do they offer a 401k? What's health insurance like? Is there a learning stipend? How is their paid or mandatory time off? Seek out a job description and benefit list that best aligns with your ideal offerings.

9. They are clear about the next steps

No one wants to be left in the dark. When your interviewer tells you the next steps of the interview process, providing general timelines of when to expect a response, it becomes clear, more than anything else, that communication is valued within the organization. It also alleviates the anxiety of a wait time when you know when to check back in. If the hiring manager or recruiter doesn't volunteer for the next steps, don't hesitate to ask. Consider it a green flag if it's clear they've given their timeline forethought.

Remember: The best kind of interview is a conversation. While your interviewer is making sure you're the right person for the job, never forget to ask yourself, is this the right fit for me? With a strong list of questions in your arsenal and an eye for green flags, you'll land your dream job in no time!

If you're looking for a new role or ways to step up your interview game, reach out to the recruiting experts at FrankCrum Staffing. We're here to help you land a job you'll love. To get started, find a branch location near you: www.frankcrumstaffing.com/contact.