Marketing is a great career. There are always opportunities (and amazing ones too). But that doesn’t mean it is all sunshine and roses. Marketing careers can also be really toxic. The key to avoiding a situation like this is being really observant during your interview stages. Here are some red flags to look out for during the interview process
Before the Interview
1. What Language is Used in the Job Description?
If you see buzzwords like “ninja”, “wizard” or “unicorn”, run. This is a company that will not be clear on what your job actually entails. They may end up giving you several Marketing jobs that have nothing to do with your role. The same applies for “many hats,” “fast-paced environment,” or “self-starter.”
Yes there are companies that have Marketers working on many things at once but you do not want to work for them. Although that being said, these sort of companies (just like agencies) are a great way to start your career. Ideally you would want a company that places you in a specialist role (Graphic Designer, Social Media Coordinator) and allows you to grow from there.
2. What is the Churn Rate Looking Like?
Ah, churn rate. One of the ways I judge companies I do not even know. Basically if you have seen a position posted multiple times especially in a short while, this isn’t a role you want to apply for. I knew of a company who kept hiring a social media coordinator. When I questioned this, they explained it as they were growing really fast and needed new staff. Fast forward a year later, all their staff have moved to different companies. When I messaged one of their former staff members to ask about the work environment, the response was vague and evasive. That was all I needed to know to NOT apply again at this company.
3. Taking Too Long to Reply
If a company takes longer than a week to reply to you, this is a sign that their recruitment process is disorganized. Who wants to work for a company that cannot even recruit new staff smoothly? The primary purpose of recruitment is to recruit. If there is something holding them back (too much work, disorganized internal processes) from being able to do this, that is a major red flag.
4. You’re Asked About Salary Before the Interview
If you’re asked about your salary, this is a light red flag. If you’re asked about your salary and the salary for the new role isn’t specified, this is a major red flag. “Market-range” is not an answer. 9 times out of 10 if they are not specifying an amount, this company is going to go for the lowest option.
5. The Hiring Manager is Rude
This is a GIANT red flag because why would you be rude to someone you have never met? Are you okay? The only thing I can think of is that this person is rude all the time and this creates such an unpleasant view of the company itself. Does this mean that other personalities at the company are like this?
The Interview Process
1. How Are You Welcomed?
Are you welcomed warmly? Are you waiting a while for someone to show up? Honestly at this point I feel like I am nitpicking. But looking back, both instances of where I had to wait a while (30 mins) for my interview were jobs that turned out to be toxic.
2. Negative Comments About Past or Current Employees
People are allowed to leave jobs. It is not the end of the world. But if your interviewer makes a remark about a past or current employee, this is a sign of a toxic work culture. Watch very carefully for this. I had an interviewer refer to the person who held the role previously, grimace and then continue our conversation. Again, a few months later, everyone I had met at the interview, ended up leaving the job.
3. Questions About Your Age, Marital Status or Family Plans
This is just a no. Always and forever. No further questions. None of these make a difference in your ability to do the job. I don’t know why this even comes up. Do not join a company that asks you this. Run and never look back.
Of course if a company has a few of these red flags, you should proceed with caution. But the more flags you see, the more you need to question if this is really the job for you. What are your red flags? Let me know below.
