How to Spot a Bad Company During Interviews
I have to admit that I’m still as scared of interviewing as when I was a junior developer.
I feels like I’m frozen in my seat as the rollercoaster inches up to the top. Those long, terrifying seconds before I drop? That’s how I feel during the whole interview.
Practicing mock interviews have helped me because I see I’m not alone in my struggles. It has also been invaluable being in the interviewer’s seat because I’ve gotten much more insight into what interviewers are looking for.
Interviews go both ways
Interviews are still stressful because there are many unknowns. However, I’ve reframed interviews in my mind as opportunities to meet potential colleagues. If it goes well I may have a new job and friend. If not, then that’s OK too.
The best candidates stand out because they’re not only confident in their abilities but also excited about the opportunity. The most fruitful interviews are the ones that go both ways.
Both parties are trying to figure out with they’re right for each other. Most of our days are spent at work. It makes sense this is where we’d expect to do most of our learning and growing.
What makes a company bad
Where I choose to work becomes an investment of my time. This is where I can create value. Regardless of my goals, I’d look for a team that I admire and can learn from because that will accelerate my growth.
Of course there are no perfect companies, but there are wonderful ones out there. They will support you in your endeavors. It may take time to find what you’re looking for. Don’t despair — you’ll get there! Even when you’re desperate, please don’t ignore these major red flags during interviews.
1. No clear vision
Before going into any interview, research the company and understand its goals. It’s fine to not understand all the details, especially if the industry is complex or new to you. What you’re looking for an idea if the business is legitimate and viable.
While you research, ask yourself:
- What product or service does this company sell?
- Does it provide value to its target market?
- How does the company make money?
It means nothing to me if the company is using “cutting-edge technology” to “disrupt” an industry. I want to know if this company is creating value for its customers. If it does then it’s most likely profitable.
During my interview, I’d always ask, “It’s interesting that you’ve accomplished [recent success]. I’d love to learn more about what projects are on your roadmap in the upcoming year.”
The goal for asking this question is to gauge whether the leaders have a big vision for the company and the abilities to drive the team forward to reach the targets. If a leader focuses on minutiae or can’t give clear answers, it’s a red flag.
Some of the worst answers I’ve heard are:
- Updating our meta tags so we can improve SEO
- Continuing to do what we do and just keep grinding and hustling
- Changing our font so customers stay on the apps more
They might not know where they’ll be in ten years, but must have a clear vision of where they are right now. Avoid companies where the leadership’s goals are fuzzy. If the company can’t convince you how it provides value, how will it convince customers?
2. High churn rate
After you’ve passed the initial screen and technical round of interviews, you usually get the chance to meet more members of the team. This is a great time to get an impression of what the culture is like.
Always ask questions! You can start off with asking what their role is and how long they’ve been at the company.
It’s a huge warning sign when everyone you’ve spoken with has been at the company for less than a year. One person’s short tenure can be explained, but not three or four. If only management has been there the longest time, this indicates there’s high churn rate for the other positions. The most common culprit? Awful management.
I have yet to meet someone who enjoys changing jobs every year. It’s stressful spending hours everyday combing through listings and applying to the interesting ones. Then there’s the pain of interview prep. Why do I need to study so many topics I never use on the job?!
It takes a lot to push even one person away. People crave stability. How unbearable the management of the company would need to be in order to drive out a whole team each year?
I’d suggest staying far away from companies that have been around for more than three years yet can’t retain any of their employees for more than a year.
3. No joy
No one sets out to hate his or her job. I like to believe most of us are optimists. When project deadlines are too tight or meetings go south, we’re hopeful that next time things will be better.
Keep a list about what you like and dislike about your job. When you reach your tipping point and start looking for a new job, you’ll know which ones are nonnegotiable. My must-haves are: close collaboration with my team, meaningful work, and growth-oriented environment.
When interviewers ask you why you’re leaving your current job, it’s a chance share with them what you value. It helps them understand whether their environment would be suitable for you. You’re also responsible for figuring out if it’s a right fit for you. The happiest scenario is when everyone is on the same page.
Be curious about the interviewers’ viewpoints. Ask them what they enjoy the most about working at their company. One of my friends cares deeply about environmental responsibility. He loved the company when he interviewed but when he found out the company was carbon-neutral, he was sold.
We all have different priorities and it’s important that what you’re seeking is something the company can provide.
I get concerned when interviewers can’t give me a response to why they enjoy working at their company. Every time someone doesn’t have an answer, the response is “The people. I like working with the people here.” That answer is the equivalent of someone reviewing a movie, “The movie is good. The people in it are good.” It tells me nothing.
It’s possible the interviewers weren’t prepared for the question. However, if it happens more than once it’s a pattern.
They most likely don’t like their job. They’ve bonded with coworkers over their shared unhappiness. They help each other pass the day, which is why they’d tell you the people are the best part. There’s not much else left for them there. That’s not somewhere you’d want to be.
Be deliberate in your choice
Finding a new job that fits your needs is tough. The process takes me about two to four months. When I start feeling burned out, I force myself to stop for a week to rest. Don’t make any decisions when you’re desperate!
When you get sick of interviewing, even the worst job starts to seem appealing. You’re tempted to ignore all the red flags and make excuses for them. Beware when you start saying to yourself, “The CEO isn’t clear on what she’s selling, but maybe I just don’t understand how to do business. I know all the people worked there for less than a year, but they all seem nice. How bad can it be?”
Your current situation may not ideal, but remember to still take the time to make a careful decision. Join a company because you want to be there and not because you need to escape.