Red Flags? Amber flags are more important in careers and job hunting

I'm reading a lot about red flags in job interviews and the process of job applications lately. They’ve been a ‘thing’ in dating for a while but in job hunting it seems quite a new thing to read about people sharing their worries or concerns about the job/interview process - that is, being vocal about the negative experiences they’ve had.

The same goes for those who are self-employed and share client red flags. I think we have had, historically, more of a culture of not complaining, and being afraid to say ‘this was a bad experience’ for fear of being exposed as a moaner or a problem person.

There has always been an onus on the candidate or freelancer to be grateful for the opportunity and to jump through any hoops to get the interview, role or job. So spotting red flags and having the onus to walk away from a process can be daunting. After all, we want them to want us, right? Well, it seems that’s changing. Candidates in all aspects - freelance, contract, full-time - are all saying ‘no, that’s not good enough for me’. I love it!

There are red flags that will be the same for everyone - for example, I read a post recently where someone was ghosted after a seven-stage interview process.

Too many stages = red flag. Pretty universal. Words in job ads (hello, ROCKSTAR, right? I saw someone looking for a Jedi recently 🤯) are commonplace and apply to most people, too. We all baulk at that kind of language and get the spike of ‘uh-oh’ in our gut, right?

Red flags are everywhere. But what about amber flags?

These are the small warning signs, not the big ones - the ones that could be red flags. These are arguably the ones to look out for more. These are the ones we overlook at the first stage, that can grow and develop into a red flag without us realising.

Tests are a good example - we have this a lot in the writing community. Someone wants you to write a piece to show you can ‘get’ their style. I’ve done these before, sometimes they’re quite simple. They can be an amber flag because, for some, even one unpaid test is a step too far, whereas for some it’s seen as OK.

When tests become more involved than writing a commission for a national newspaper, that’s when they go from amber to red. When someone asking you to suggest some ideas turns into them asking for a six-month content plan that’s amber to red.

Amber flags are those things you might feel a bit concerned about but still go ahead with a chat, interview or part of the process, seeing how they play out and whether conditions change and make them a red flag or a green one. The key here, if you can, is to remember that hiring and client decisions are a two-way street. Walking away from a process isn’t easy but long-term, it is often the best decision.

If a flag goes from amber to red while you’re in the process, it might be time to say ‘I’m out’.

Any cheesy language is always an amber flag for me. Rockstar is the one we all know, but wordsmith and copy whizz are also quite 'ick'. Language can be a big turn-off but it doesn’t always stop me from connecting with someone or enquiring about a role or new client.

Amber flags can be about values, too. Those things in a description that you know, deep down, aren't right for you and don't align with your values. Those are the amber flags to keep an eye out for. Note them, keep an eye on them.

My advice on navigating this is to make a list. A list of the things you see as red and amber flags for YOU. Not the generic things, but your dealbreakers. Just like you might if you were dating.

It might be a salary band, it might be language. It might be location and it might be needing to do an unpaid test.

Set your own boundaries and it'll help you work out where to offer your talents, flipping that 'be grateful for the offer' narrative. It will help you decide whether to apply for a role. Be clear to yourself when you’ll call it a day, and what that breaking point from amber to red is for you.

Finally, it’s also worth considering green flags! You could have a list of green flags in mind: What stands out as a description that appeals to you? What connects with your values? What might a company do or say that makes your ‘uh-oh’ turn to ‘oh yes!’?

Are you job hunting and need direction? Looking to put some oomph into your career or business? Book a discovery call to chat about how coaching can help. Head over to Calendly to book in.

And do share your amber flag stories in the comments!

xJenny