Job hunting? Here are red flags 🚩 to avoid and green flags to chase

Read this before you click "Apply" or send out that resume!

Jan 12, 2025

This newsletter is my way of paying it forward and being the person I needed when I was a young(er) writer.

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January is a time for new opportunities! And that includes…career opportunities. I know this because, in the past, I’ve spruced up the ol’ resume right after the holidays.(Luckily not this year. If we work together, please know that I’m very happy. Don’t panic, haha!)

For those of you seeking better work-life balance, compensation, or a different track this 2025, here are some red flags and green flags when looking for your next job.

Red flags when job hunting

Hearing “We’re a family here.” If your interviewer ever mentions this, take it as a sign to…politely decline the next round of interviews. This just means you’ll be guilted into delivering more than what you’re paid to do, because how dare you abandon your ‘family’ during crunch time. Newsflash: you’re working to provide for your actual family - whether that’s your kids, elderly parents, or your dog.
Repetitive mentions of the company being “fast-paced” and expectations to be “agile” and “wear many hats.” While a fast-paced working environment is to be expected in the WFH age and in areas like healthcare, it’s worth reflecting on whether sending a caption or layout is a life-or-death concern. (It’s not.) If you’re a junior or mid-level associate, being expected to “wear many hats” could mean the company would rather tire you out than hire additional manpower.
High turnover rate. On LinkedIn, you can check previous employees and see how long they stayed. If you notice that a pattern of short stints is common within the company, that’s a danger sign!
Poor work-life balance. This one’s quite tricky since you’ll only see it deep into the job search process. I like to ask the interviewer (my potential manager) about a typical day in the life of someone in the position. If the job opening mentioned hybrid or remote arrangements, you can ask how the team ensures work life doesn’t bleed into home life. If you’re interviewing face-to-face in the office, you can also try to scope out the vibe of your potential colleagues. Another trick I’ve tried is to see if I can find current employees on social media, and see if they’re able to do fun things too - indulge in hobbies, travel, spend time with loved ones, that kind of thing. It’s a bit creepy, I admit, but it’s more authentic than what you could gain from just an interview response.
Multiple mentions of dissatisfaction at the company. You can usually find these via Glassdoor reviews or Reddit. Some industries might even have a hashtag or anonymous Instagram account for spilling tea 🍵. If you know a friend who has worked at the company you’re eyeing, it’s best to get their opinion, too!

During my eight years as a copywriter, I’ve experienced my share of red flags. Some of which I ignored. And sometimes, your economic situation will force you to look past them and take on the job - and hopefully, get paid enough to compensate for those less-than-awesome aspects of the position.

On the flip side, here are some green flags you want to see when searching for your next job, be it in copywriting, advertising, or elsewhere.

Job search green flags

Interviewers who don’t oversell the job, the company, or the clients. Some of my most meaningful interviews were with managers who were very realistic about the role. While they never badmouthed clients or the company, they made sure that I was going to make an informed decision if I chose to join them.
Employees who are open about what they love about the job - and what they find challenging about it. During interviews, I like to ask my interviewer two things: 1) What do you love best about working at [company]? and 2) What’s the most challenging thing about your role? Since I’m talking to a manager, their response is a bit more big-picture, and is based on a position I hope to one day have.
Openness about opportunities for learning and growth. Great companies don’t just train their employees to take on more work and do it faster. They also value employees’ desire to learn new skills, and encourage continuous learning. For advertising copywriters like myself, these opportunities can include inter-department competitions, e-learning modules, and tickets to industry events. If you’re taking post-grad studies, it’s a good sign if your employer is willing to make things work even with your additional responsibilities.
A company culture you can vibe with. Your mileage will vary with this one. Some may prefer a more family-oriented culture, others may want a lot of late-night hang-outs with the team, etc. Just make sure you research the company thoroughly and ask questions about the culture and team during your interview. If you vibe with the manager/s who interviewed you, there’s a good chance you’ll fit right in!
A “eureka” moment when connecting with your potential boss. I’m on my sixth job, and I’ve been through dozens of interviews. But what I noticed about the managers I liked best is that I had a “eureka” moment after interviewing with them. Like, with eyes sparkling and a feeling in my soul that yes, this was where I should be. And even after I left that job, I still saw that manager as my mentor or friend.

One thing about red flags and green flags, though: they aren’t the end-all, be-all for any job, manager, or company. And you shouldn’t turn down all second interviews because of one red flag in the first interview.

It takes a bit of skill, and a lot of experience, but you’ll eventually get a feel of how jobs will pan out based on the interviews. Again, this will depend on your personal values, your needs at the time of the job search, and the industry you’re in. Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and go get that experience! It’s still one step closer to your dream job. :)

If you’re going job hunting this 2025, good luck and godspeed! May the best opportunities come your way.

Did I miss any red or green flag? Share your take in the comments!