How do you know that a potential new job sucks?

[drumwolf]

As in, when you're coming in for an interview, what specific signs are good indicators that you probably don't want this job?

For me, it was the fact that the interviewer just seemed too eager to get the job filled. It turned out that she was an awful manager who couldn't keep things together and she was also such a nutcase that the turnover on her staff was like a revolving door.

[rwenos]

1. Clearest Sign is Interviewer's Poor Listening Skills

If they won't let you finish your answers, they won't let you do your job either.

Also, if an interviewing boss is rude in an interview, they'll be rude on the job too.

Second cardinal sign: they won't talk about money, but try to sell you on the "glamor" of the job. Bad sign.

NEVER be afraid of terminating the interview and walking out yourself. That's the only way to have any power. You be the interviewer, not them. You're interviewing them. Not the reverse.

[tjwash]

2. No need to interview, you can tell in the advert they run for the job...

...just look for the words "attach salary history"

Any place worth a damn will tell you what they pay, not try to see how low they can go.

[Neshanic]

3. Couple of things.

Are there people who know how to use computers, and another group that needs help with email? You have been warned.

"Here's the key for when you come in early or on weekends". Back away slowly.

More than three coffee pots in the lunch room for a staff of 10. Coffee achievers?

Any architecture firm that has a lobby that looks like it cost more than the rest of the office.

Any architecture firm.

Any architect that sketches with an ink well pen.

"We keep notebook pads with information, that Outlook is so haaard to use".

"We need Autocadd people reeeaaaal bad!"

[JohnnyRingo]

4. Ask if you'll have to set an alarm to get up in time for work.

Or if you have to wear a hat.

[BootinUp]

5. Good timing

I need to get in the right frame of mind myself. Good answers so far.

How about: They avoid discussing what you will need to meet their goals?

[drumwolf]

6. Tell me if you think this counts as a red flag

When you try to gauge how much you'll be able to grow and develop in this job and your interviewer says, "It's what you make it." Translation: you're completely on your own if you want to learn anything, because we certainly won't be doing shit to help you grow and develop.

[bliss_eternal]

7. You nailed it drumwolf--for a moment I wondered if you had

applied at one of my old gigs! LOL!

One of the worst jobs I ever had, possessed both of the qualities you stated. She was VERY eager to fill the position. So much so that she didn't want to bother with interviewing other applicants. RED FLAG!

I ran screaming after day one, when she took me aside in her office to 'down play' the person who's place I was taking (she had quit). I read between the lines and determined that she wanted to destroy this person's credibility with me.

The woman leaving said the mgr. didn't know how to talk to people and was a poor manager, and she was dead on RIGHT!

Oh another dead give away is an ad that says something like 'great place to work' or 'friendly office.' A great place to work that is really a friendly office doesn't have to make announcements about it. Yep, the place I am speaking of said one of those things too.

ALWAYS ask during the interview, why the position is available. You can learn a lot by that.

Also if the manager says things like,'It's such an easy job' Or 'I don't like training people, this job isn't brain surgery' run. Again, this plays up the fact that they won't allow room for a learning curve, will be impatient and a poor manager and bad people person.

I sometimes walked in on this woman sitting in her office weeping at her desk.

[drumwolf]

8. 'It's such an easy job' or 'this job isn't brain surgery'

My observation is that sometimes when someone assures you (often in a condescending tone) that "this job is real simple," what it actually means is that the person doesn't quite understand all the potential complications that could pop up and doesn't care.

[elehhhhna]

9. Get there a little early so you can sit and FEEL the office vibes--

really. Just people-watch in the lobby (and as you get the tour, especially). Is it tense? Are people friendly? Go with your gut.

[jburton]

10. Here's what I used to do

Several things, some already mentioned:

1. Arrive early, so you can see how the people act. Does it seem like the staff get along with each other? Does the place look like shit?

2. Google the company name. A good one: "company name+lawsuit"

4. Avoid ads that say "need to hire 12 go-getters who aren't afraid to make big $$$" or similar BS. You will be telemarketing or selling door-to-door.

3. Why is the position open? Did the person get promoted (good) or leave after one week on the job? Also, ask the interviewer what they like about the company and how long they've worked there. Their answer/non-answer can tell you a lot.

Good Luck!

[Southpaw Bookworm]

11. When they ask if you have any questions for them

Ask them about why the person you're replacing left.

Ask them about their management style -- do they consider themselves "hands off" or do they favor a more active approach?

Ask about camraderie between workers -- is there an atmosphere of teamwork?

Ask about relations between management and line staff -- Are they cordial?

If they stutter, and huff and puff, then you know something is wrong.

[KamaAina]

12. Office staff is breaking for lunch when you arrive for the interview

at 3 PM. Hoo boy.

[KurtNYC]

13. A few red flags

1. The break room is also the xerox, supplies and fax room
2. The company is privately owned and employs family members (not always bad but can be like working in the middle of a family fight, plus forget YOUR promotion).
3. The person you would report to says they want you to organize them or "nag" them.