Warning signs:
1. The interview is very informal and brief. The interviewer gives you very little room to dive deeper by doing most of the talking. By the time they finish speaking you don't have much time to question them.
2. The interviewer makes promises about what could happen once you get hired, e.g. you could get promoted. Never take someone else's word for it. Ask more about the process and what is required for promotion.
3. The interviewer talks about the success of other employees who had the role before you or who have been with the company for a while. The idea that if they can do it, so can you is not something you should feed into because there is no guarantee. Different variables impact someone's success.
4. The interviewer talks like its too good to be true. e.g. It's a very easy job or the clientele is so easy to work with. Make sure you continue to ask questions and maybe consider shadowing to determine for yourself what the role is.
5. You won't have coworkers or support staff. This could be a sign that you will need to figure things out on your own. Ask if this is a role that provides training or if you need to have already acquired the training and experience to do the job.
6. There is a high turn over rate and no solution. This is especially a red flag for people of color when the majority of turnover is with minority staff.
Tip: Do your own research before accepting the job offer. This could include online research, person to person research and asking additional questions once the interview concludes.
If you are already in a sink or swim role here is some advice.
1. Don't beat yourself up. Do your best and strive to learn from the experience. Set a few goals of what you can learn from the situation before moving on. Remember this is only temporary and with a proper plan you can and will move on to better!
2. Choose your battles wisely. Some companies are a good place to voice your concerns because they actually care about the employees. Others are not. Be wise about how you spend your energy. Do you want to spend time changing their systems or making your own life better? Sometimes you have to choose.
3. Find the bright side. Most likely you have gained new skills and developed your character by persevering in this situation. Stay focused and list the positive things about your experience.
4. Always do your best! You are your own brand. Remember that. Never ruin your own reputation by giving your power over to others. Invest in yourself when no one else win!
5. Change your expectations. I know we expect others to treat us the way we want to be treated but that is not always reality! And you know what you will survive without it. Truly lean on your own support system. You should always speak up for yourself but never expect people to make your day! You are the key to your happiness.
6. Don't repeat your mistakes. It is better to wait for the right opportunity than to move hastily. Just know that you are worth it and you should never settle for less!
