The process of finding a new job can be overwhelming to say the least. From r
esumes to interviews and everything that goes on in between, the process is likely to be daunting.
But what about when you finally get the phone call that
you aced the interview and show up to your first day only to find that the new job is not what you thought it would be? A recent article from CNN by
Anthony Balderrama offers six signs to look for that may mean the new job is not right for you.
One thing to look out for is if you show up to your first day and are offered
nothing more than a cubicle and a company manual as a greeting. Balderrama says a new employer should always make clear that
you are not alone and you have a network of support ready to answer any questions you may have.
Another tip the article offers to detect a lousy job is if after two weeks or so you determine you are
half way there to becoming the employee with the most seniority. Balderrama points out that companies who have employees that stick around for years are the companies that appreciate and treat those employees well. If employees seem to come and go all the time, it is probably
not the best working environment for anyone.
Balderrama also advises new employees to take notice how the boss interacts with coworkers. If you witness other employees
running from the boss’s office crying on a regular basis, the boss is probably not showing respect to his/her workers. Balderrama writes, “A
good company uses open communication, not fear and intimidation, to get results.
Though the battle to get the job may be long and tedious, it is best to get out of a job as soon as you realize it will not benefit you or be detrimental to your career to stay. For a full list of Balderrama’s tips you can go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/02/18/cb.lousy.job/index.html
What do you think of the signs to look for to determine if you chose the right job listed above?
Are there any other signs you can think of or have personally experienced while working for a poorly run company?
An additional sign is if your manager doesn't know what he/she is doing, but you know more than they do on the most common and necessary working skills needed for the job.
bbcoop::
on Mar 18, 2008
I can't work for someone who doesn't hold themselves to a standard of integrity when dealing with customers and coworkers. Yes, we all make mistakes now and then, but blatant dishonesty I just can't respect.
Also something that is hard for me to tolerate is superiority complexes. If you think you work for someone who thinks they are better than than you or someone you work with, how are you going to respect them? We all deserve a certain level of respect no matter where/who we are in life!
rwillis::
on Mar 25, 2008
It's also hard to work under someone who is simply ignorant. I do not mean this in a self-entitled "I have a 4 year degree and am therefore better than your lack of college education" way. I mean it as it is hard to take criticism from someone regarding your professionalism (working in customer service) when their grammar/spelling is severely lacking to the point that customers actually correct it themselves. This also includes being ignorant of the fact that it is common knowledge, or common sense, that every individual in the workplace has a different personality, learning process, way of doing things, and/or communication style.
cvarano::
on Mar 29, 2008
I agree with the comments about your higher up being competent. That's a definite necessity. Also, though, do they treat you with respect and like an adult or more like a child? I've worked at places where the employees were treated like kindergarteners and the overall feel was that they began to act the way they were treated. Didn't work as hard because they wouldn't get the credit they deserved anyways.
marjag::
on Apr 01, 2008
I'm 52 and looking for a job right now & it's hard to find an employer that will treat someone with my age with a little respect. Most of them are younger & talk down to me....it's very frustrating.
interested::
on Apr 08, 2008
I actually find the tips to be a bit much. I mean do I REALLY need an "expert" to tell me that if you see people "running from the boss?s office crying on a regular basis" that spells major trouble? More useful would be some tips that would help me spot the bad boss who is just a touch more clever or smooth.
I realize that these crazy situations do happen. But, although they make for good stories, they don't make for helpful tips.
The first one - not getting some orientation - is a good one. It's not the kind of thing that slaps you in the face, but people who have experienced it know what it usually means...
WorkingMom67::
on Apr 13, 2008
My guideline for a good work environment and company is are the middle managers and upper management have the same philosophy in communication, leadership, vision and mission. If you are a manager, are you in line with the company's vision of what you are doing? Aside from personality and work style, do people in the company work towards the same goal and share some similar values as to how to achieve that goal? That makes a difference in the work environment and helps me decide if its the "right or good job" for me. If you can observe and ask the right questions, looking for these things the first month or two you are in the job, it will tell you alot.
trksh22::
on Apr 15, 2008
My husband is going through the same thing. It is hard when he is the only ethical person at work, who is willing to follow the rules. He went through the training but at his job site he is the only one that follows the rules. When upper management comes in they are not really nice to him about it. I assume it is because he makes them "look bad". His suggestions/recommendations are basically ignored, only to be followed a couple of days/weeks later. Various excuses are given as a reason why his suggestions to do the same thing was ignored. Unfortunately, finding another job is not as easy at it sounds.
Ashlee0703::
on Apr 17, 2008
I struggle with how to tell the difference between the job being lousy and the company being lousy and my attitude just being lousy.
malycious::
on May 06, 2008
It's very true, a high turnover rate = get a new job! They aren't treating their employees right, or not enough pay, or not enough benefits...
