Top toxic hiring trends to watch out for
Finding a job matters, but arguably, matching with the right employer matters more. If you want to do that, avoid these toxic hiring trends.
Back to TopIf finding the right job matters to you, this shareable infographic and companion article will help you avoid these toxic hiring trends.
Tell us if this sounds familiar. You worked and worked and worked to get a role you thought would be a perfect fit, but on day one, something happens that makes you sure you were wrong. Now you're stuck because no one wants to quit on day one, but you can't possibly stay there as it's ... awful. Congratulations! You've experienced an unintended fall into a toxic workplace!
The bad news is that if you're reading this, you're probably already at the bottom of the pit. The good news is that we're going to share some toxic hiring trends to look out for the next time you're seeking a new role (we hear that might be soon). Let's get started.
Asking for real work
It can be hard to tell whether you should take on a speculative work assignment for a potential employer. Will it be worth it? The key is to suss out if it's normal or not.
It's perfectly normal for employers to assign short exercises to see what makes you tick, ask you to take tests in a controlled environment like Indeed to determine proficiency or request limited work for fictitious companies that can be used as future portfolio pieces.
However, it's not normal for employers to ask for "audition" work for real clients. If you think that's the case, do a Google search and see if reviews tell that story. It's also not okay for them to make their asks excessive to the point where it becomes a burden.
No transparency
Subterfuge is typically bad in any relationship, romantic or professional.
If an employer hides why the role is open or avoids questions about turnover, doesn't address their negative online feedback or won't answer career progression queries, the company might be a bad match.
But there are green flags to note, too! For example, if an employer clears up holes in the job description in your interview or appears optimistic about the future and acknowledges and adds context to their past mistakes, win!
No real-world evidence
All claims must be backed up—employers don't get a pass on that either. It can be incredibly toxic when a company has been in the market for a long time but has no real people on its website or zero reviews. In addition, it can be negative if there aren't metrics online if its business model depends on outcomes.
There are some exceptions, though. For example, if the company is a startup that's on its way up or if it mostly hires contractors who can't be used for social proof.
Something's off
Employers sometimes have a different vision of their business than candidates or current employees. To a certain extent, a bit of a disconnect can be alright, but when there's a significant chasm between the two perspectives, it's questionable.
Toxic companies are famous for using fake office pictures to promote themselves—ones that don't resemble their actual facility. They also leave outdated content on their website, especially long-ago former employees. Finally, some potential employers pull a bait-and-switch with salary. Said employers like to list one salary in the job description and then overturn it during an interview for a lower one. All of these things are not safe bets.
But as with our points around real-world proof, there are specific situations where it's okay. The company might be in the middle of a rebrand or be in startup mode. Either way, growth signifies good things. Hold tight!
Negativity
While this article features potential negatives, your first impression of a company shouldn't be! If they say unkind things about past employees or make you feel inferior in any way, it likely won't be a good option for you.
We've covered a lot of "normals" so far, but negativity in the hiring process is only normal when it's just one aspect of a full answer to a question. Stating weak points isn't harmful per se, but it can sound negative. Don't get these two situations confused.
Miscommunication
If you are already on different pages during the hiring process, imagine how terrible it will be working together.
Here are some key areas where you can see communications break during an interview:
- You talk, and they don't listen.
- Even when asked, they don't tell you when you should hear back or if they need anything else from you.
- You have to chase them down to understand your next steps.
None of the above are good signs. And unlike our other focus areas, a communication issue is always a non-starter. Communication should be strong right from the start.
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Our experience has taught us that avoiding toxicity before signing on the dotted line is the way to go. We hope our tips will help you do that. Would you like to be matched with the best employers around? Try looking for a role through Beacon Hill!
Inspiration
