6 Subtle Company Green Flags You Might Not Notice at First Glance

You probably know all about red flags when it comes to job interviews. But what about green flags? These are the signs that the company has a strong, positive work culture — one that could be a great fit for you.

But not all green flags are that obvious. So, what are some more subtle one? Here are six examples.

1. They enforce sign-off hours.

Employees are told to stop working — including checking work emails — after a certain time. This policy is actually enforced in practice, too. If you know this to be the case at an employer or prospective employer, then it demonstrates that they prioritize work-life balance and don’t want workers to succumb to overwork or burnout.

2. They respond to your emails/phone calls promptly.

You’re not left in the dark after an interview. When you call or email the employer, whether it’s to thank them or ask whether they’ve made a decision, you receive a prompt reply. They’re highly communicative — which is an indication that they will show this skill as a manager. 

3. They ask for your feedback.

The employer really wants to improve their hiring process, so they ask for feedback from candidates at the end of an interview. This means they’re acknowledging that they’re not perfect and want your feedback to make the hiring process smoother for everyone involved. 

4. You have the opportunity to meet other team members — not just the hiring manager.

When you come in for an interview, you’re not just sitting across from the hiring manager like it’s an interrogation. Instead, the hiring manager takes you around to meet other team members, so you can really get to know your potential colleagues. You may even have the opportunity to speak with your predecessor, who can give you insight into what the job is really like.

5. The next steps are clearly laid out.

The hiring manager has told you the steps involved in the hiring process — there’s no ambiguity about what you’ll need to do next. You also have a timeline about when different parts will take place and when you’ll be notified about whether you’ve made it to the next round. This shows that the employer is being thoughtful and doesn’t want to provoke unnecessary anxiety.

6. The company has hired interns and promoted junior employees into senior roles.

When interns and junior employees are promoted into more senior roles, it suggests several things. First, employees most likely enjoy working there — so much so that they have stuck around for at least some period of time. It also shows that the company is invested in growing careers and nurturing development, not just getting the job done.

Along with these green flags, pay attention to your own intuition — it often has plenty to say and will steer you in the right direction.

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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

What’s your no. 1 company green flag during the job search process? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss members!