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Anonymous

February 8,2023 at 1:52AM UTC

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Hello! I am interviewing for a role I really like. I asked around in my community how this (in this case, farm) is viewed as an employer in my small agricultural community. I was told by trusted sources who would be in the know, that there is "high turnover" and that the resident farm managers (a couple) tend to "run people off". Since I would be working closely with this couple, I am pretty concerned about what I've heard. How to vet this further before proceeding? One of my interviews will be with this couple.

Additional context: I was burned by a startup with similar issues (lack of support from mgmt, favoritism, nepotism, etc) so gun shy. How to gently probe without being a dick?

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AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 2:13AM UTC
I hope this interview and potential company works out in your favor!
As for, how to ask the right questions that will help you determine whether a company is a red flag or not. I believe this website has some good articles which you can find if you click on the, "Advice" tab at the top of the website, search, "Red flags" and click on the article tab. It should populate all of their published articles surrounding it.
Alternatively, searching, " Red flags to look out in the workplace" or " questions to ask during an interview to see if a workplace is toxic" and any variation of that should help you pull up well-written articles to will give you a list of questions to ask.
Heed this though, if you ask these questions and the company shows its red flags, PLEASE do not move forward with taking the job ( unless you desperately need to for finances) and choose your mental and spiritual well-being over it.
Cindy GloverFebruary 8,2023 at 2:39AM UTC
Well said.
Cindy GloverFebruary 8,2023 at 2:38AM UTC
Don’t listen and allow yourself to form your own opinion of them.
It could be they weren’t a good fit for the job and with they said, of course they don’t have anything good to say.
they may be looking for a certain person, personality, not afraid of mud hahaha and possibly have passion for farms
I hope it goes well for you, keep us posted.
Angela Day DentonFebruary 13,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
I would proceed with the interviews. Give this couple a chance. If you still see red flags then walk away.
April LineFebruary 13,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
Hi!! Manager in an agribusiness here! This field is kinda full of old thinking, scarcity mindset, and the kind of toxicity that comes from legacy & family-staffed businesses that are struggling to transition to a more traditional model!
Having said, i echo the advice of other posters--take the interview. Personality matches are EVERYTHING in farming. It might be that you'll thrive where others have not. Listen to your gut, and yes! Ask questions, things about how performance issues are handled (if they say something like there haven't been any, that is a red flag!), listen for a lot of blaming language or an unwillingness to take responsibility for issues as a management team, belittling or making fun of current or former employees during the process is also a red flag.
You're doing great! Way to think carefully & be aware of possible issues! Good luck, and don't stop applying!
AnonymousFebruary 13,2023 at 4:31PM UTC
Alot of that is going around and I just quit a job because of it.
AnonymousFebruary 13,2023 at 5:57PM UTC
Did that person or persons give you specific examples of what happened? I think you should ask point blank to this couple about how they deal with conflict resolution and how they would correct you if you did something wrong. Ask how they manage people and ask for a specific situation where they had to let someone go because things were not working out. Let them know how you like to work and also how you like to be managed. Make sure there is alignment there - be honest with yourself and then make your decision about proceeding accordingly.