Green flags to look for in a prospective employer

As the Great Resignation continues to rage on, more people are leaving their current positions, hoping to find a better opportunity. A recent study found that 32% of MBA holders plan to quit their jobs within the next year. We all know what red flags to look out for in a job, but what are some green flags? 

It’s just as crucial for a company to find an employee that is a good fit for their organization as it is for job seekers to be sure that the companies they’re applying for interviewing for match well with their needs, expectations, and with what they’re hoping to get from employment.

Setting a standard for yourself will help you avoid ending up in a job that is bad for your mental health, doesn’t pay well enough, or generally doesn’t value its employees as much as it should. That’s why it’s essential to look for the green flags that signal to you that a potential employer checks many boxes on multiple levels, ensuring a better employee experience. 

Employer green flags

One of the most significant green flags you should look for is honesty regarding benefits and what is being offered precisely. Benefits are equally important as base pay, and you’ll want to ensure that every benefit the company provides is laid out upfront with no hidden caveats or vague descriptions.

Another crucial green flag from potential employers is a positive and healthy attitude towards employment and how they view employees’ time and work. The way people work has changed dramatically, specifically in the last few years alone. Companies who understand the importance of a work-life balance will show that to you in the interview process. In the same vein, it’s a good sign when an employer doesn’t try to make you feel like there’s pressure to be the absolute perfect match to the point where you’ll never leave. A non-toxic work environment is one in which there’s an understanding that jobs aren’t forever and that you don’t have to put on a show of unending allegiance just to feel supported as an employee. 

Growth is also a big green flag to consider. While jobs aren’t forever, it’s good to know there is a possibility if you want to progress in a company and have a path towards a better title or larger salary. Investing yourself in a job should see rewards greater than just being paid and getting good benefits. You have every right to ask about and expect that there will be opportunities for growth in the future should you take the position.

Perhaps the most significant green flag is an employer’s openness to answering questions posed in the interview process or beyond. After all, a job interview isn’t just about screening candidates. It’s about the candidate getting a feel for the employer and ascertaining whether it’s the right opportunity. If an employer is willing to answer in-depth questions and be transparent, that’s a great sign that you have the potential to join a wonderful organization. 

Overall, it’s easier sometimes to look for red flags rather than green flags. But being able to identify the good things about a company, rather than always trying to pinpoint the alarming stuff. Take note of the green flags and make sure to weigh them in any decision you make if you receive a job offer. You’ll be a much happier employee in the long run.

— Article by Sean Kelly. In addition to being an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter, Sean Kelly also co-founded a nonprofit local news publication in Savannah, GA called The Savannahian.