After months of researching, applying, and interviewing, nothing is more relieving than finally getting that dream job offer. But if you’re fresh out of college with minimal job experience and a company offers you an unreasonably high salary, the ability to work from home once a week, and free trips to Mexico, you might need to reconsider the job. Be mindful of vagueness, verbal agreements, and personal data requests early on, as these could indicate that the company is not reliable or may not be what it seems. Gemini’s Consultants reveal potential warning signs that your dream job offer is too good to be true – and what you should probably reconsider the opportunity.
Be cautious if the salary offer is too high
An unreasonably high salary is a common sign that the job may not be what it seems, according to our consultants. This could be a sign that nobody wants the job because the conditions are not looking real. They could be desperate to hire and will need you to solve an immediate problem.
Verbal promises without paperwork might be a red flag
Steer clear of companies that make verbal promises to you but won’t put them in writing, this almost always results in disappointment. Even though a verbal agreement can be legally binding, there is no physical evidence of the verbal commitment, so the company can’t be held responsible for not following through.
Vague details about your responsibilities could be a sign of instability
If they don’t have the answers to your questions, this could be a red flag. These questions may include details about your job responsibilities, the company’s work environment, your start date, or where the company is headed in ten years. Vagueness is often a sign of chaos and instability.
An overly eager hiring manager might indicate trouble at the company
A company that seems eager to hire you, that wants an answer right away and/or wants you to start immediately might also raise concerns. This could mean that they are desperate and haven’t done their due diligence to find the right fit. A company that’s hiring for the right reasons will interview multiple candidates and will issue an offer to the person they want to bring on. They will allow you to take the time to think about your next steps instead of making you decide immediately.
If the interview process went by too quick, that could mean the company is desperate
While nobody enjoys waiting around for companies to get back to them after a job interview, a slow hiring process is common. When things move quickly, you shouldn’t get too excited about the idea of starting a new job. A speedy recruiting process can be a major red flag.
If you’re doing all of the follow-ups, the company might be disorganised
If you’re doing all of the follow-ups with the company – calling them first and constantly checking for updates – there might be a problem with the company’s international organisation and the way they treat employees.
A high employee-turnover rate indicates trouble
Companies could have high turnover rates for many reasons, such as they may hire entry-level employees that move on, they hire minimum-wage employees, or competitors offering more money for the same job. If a company has a high turnover rate due to poor management or a toxic work environment, that’s another reason to consider an alternative company.
Don’t truest a company that wants your personal data upfront
Some companies request your social security information and bank statements early on in the hiring process without a formal job offer. Be careful, since this kind of personal data is highly confidential and sensitive. If someone gets your social security number, you could be dealing with the consequences for the rest of your life.
9 Verify the company has a good reputation before taking the job
Research the company for negative news articles and legal records. Also try asking current and former employees what they think of the company, if you have the option to do so. If the company’s been involved in an unusually high number of lawsuits, consider rejecting the job offer. Your own reputation will be linked with your employer by association, so make sure you consider whether you can stand behind the brand.
Follow your intuition
You’ll know when something isn’t quite right intuitively. If you feel that way during the hiring process, nine times out of ten you’re correct and should seek job opportunities elsewhere.
Of course, Gemini Personnel will always aim to provide to best match between candidates and companies and avoid above warning signs. Do you have questions about your current job searching process? Please contact us at gemhq@gemini.com.hk
