Your value doesn't decrease because of someone else's inability to see your worth.
After being the in working word for a number of years, most people have had experience with a variety of companies. There are those we loved working for and those, well, not so much. But is there a way to know where an organization will fall on the great to lousy scale before accepting the job?
These corporations announce their talent-unfriendly philosophy in numerous ways, and one of the most important is in their employee handbook.
When you are interviewing with a company, ask them for a copy of the employee handbook before you get the job offer! A business’s company handbook is a window into their soul. Reading it in advance will give you enormous insights into the company’s culture. If they won’t give you a handbook, that should be your very first clue.
Below are ten definite signs that a company you are interviewing with is not a good place to work.
No moonlighting
Companies that have a no moonlighting policy restrict their employees from having another part-time job. As long as the job in question doesn’t impact your work or involve in any conflict of interest, no business should request this of their employees.
These corporations announce their talent-unfriendly philosophy in numerous ways, and one of the most important is in their employee handbook.
When you are interviewing with a company, ask them for a copy of the employee handbook before you get the job offer! A business’s company handbook is a window into their soul. Reading it in advance will give you enormous insights into the company’s culture. If they won’t give you a handbook, that should be your very first clue.
Below are ten definite signs that a company you are interviewing with is not a good place to work.
No moonlighting
Companies that have a no moonlighting policy restrict their employees from having another part-time job. As long as the job in question doesn’t impact your work or involve in any conflict of interest, no business should request this of their employees.
Unable to provide reference
There are companies that don’t allow managers to provide employee recommendations other than forwarding to Human resources to confirm employment and job title. If and when it is ever time for you to move onward and upward, this could impact your ability to get another position. At the very least, if you’ve done a stellar job, potential employers would never hear it from your former boss. Though no reference policies are unethical, they are not illegal, so be sure to inquire in advance.
Progressive discipline practices
These policies outline the punishment an employee will receive for first, second, third infractions. Businesses that apply these practices are outdated and puerile. If you see this mentioned in the employee handbook, think twice about signing on.
There are companies that don’t allow managers to provide employee recommendations other than forwarding to Human resources to confirm employment and job title. If and when it is ever time for you to move onward and upward, this could impact your ability to get another position. At the very least, if you’ve done a stellar job, potential employers would never hear it from your former boss. Though no reference policies are unethical, they are not illegal, so be sure to inquire in advance.
Progressive discipline practices
These policies outline the punishment an employee will receive for first, second, third infractions. Businesses that apply these practices are outdated and puerile. If you see this mentioned in the employee handbook, think twice about signing on.
Payroll deductions
Employees shouldn’t have to worry about being financially dinged for equipment that breaks while they’re using it or having to personally pay for things that benefit the company and its employees, like a sanctioned team lunch. If this practice is outlined in a company's handbook, or if the situation arises in a company for which you work, be concerned.
Dictated hours
If a company mandates that salaried employees work a certain number of ours weekly, especially if it is above and beyond the paid for 40 hours, beware. Smart corporations understand that it is more important that the work gets done and done well versus their employees logging in ‘free’ hours on the books.
Manager-controlled internal transfers
Any employee in any company should be able to apply for an internal position without the approval of their current manager. Your ability to move within the company should not be restricted or controlled by your manager. If a business uses this process, this should raise a red flag.
Formal performance management
A fancy HR term that reduces a job to a list of detailed tasks and goals to which you’ll be held accountable on a daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis, performance management doesn’t look at a job as a whole unit. This type of micro-performance is tedious and often overlooks the big picture accomplishments. Avoid the stress of working for businesses that employ this procedure.
No personal time
Life happens and not always on weekends or vacation days. Good companies offer additional ‘personal time’ to handle real life issues, like meeting a vendor at your home, picking up a sick child from school, or going to the doctor. If the company you’re interested in doesn’t offer additional personal days, you may want to get on walking.
Ranking by pay grades
If it appears title and corporate status are revered above all, steer clear. These types of bureaucratic organizations will stifle your creativity, fun and opportunities.
Interviewing process
How you are treated during the interview process says a considerable amount about a company. If they respond in a timely manner to emails and calls, are respectful and appreciative of your time and talents during the face-to-face (or phone) interviews, which reveals a lot about how you will be treated should you work there. If they ignore you for weeks on end or continue to give you special tests or assignment, once again: beware. If you are getting negative vibes during the interview (when a company should be wooing you if they are looking to hire you on), that’s a huge sign to continue with your job search.
There are many upstanding, great corporations both big and small for which to work. You deserve to work for a company that will value you, your skills and talents without treating you like a child and trying to control your every move.
Article excerpt from Forbes Magazine.
Employees shouldn’t have to worry about being financially dinged for equipment that breaks while they’re using it or having to personally pay for things that benefit the company and its employees, like a sanctioned team lunch. If this practice is outlined in a company's handbook, or if the situation arises in a company for which you work, be concerned.
Dictated hours
If a company mandates that salaried employees work a certain number of ours weekly, especially if it is above and beyond the paid for 40 hours, beware. Smart corporations understand that it is more important that the work gets done and done well versus their employees logging in ‘free’ hours on the books.
Manager-controlled internal transfers
Any employee in any company should be able to apply for an internal position without the approval of their current manager. Your ability to move within the company should not be restricted or controlled by your manager. If a business uses this process, this should raise a red flag.
Formal performance management
A fancy HR term that reduces a job to a list of detailed tasks and goals to which you’ll be held accountable on a daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis, performance management doesn’t look at a job as a whole unit. This type of micro-performance is tedious and often overlooks the big picture accomplishments. Avoid the stress of working for businesses that employ this procedure.
No personal time
Life happens and not always on weekends or vacation days. Good companies offer additional ‘personal time’ to handle real life issues, like meeting a vendor at your home, picking up a sick child from school, or going to the doctor. If the company you’re interested in doesn’t offer additional personal days, you may want to get on walking.
Ranking by pay grades
If it appears title and corporate status are revered above all, steer clear. These types of bureaucratic organizations will stifle your creativity, fun and opportunities.
Interviewing process
How you are treated during the interview process says a considerable amount about a company. If they respond in a timely manner to emails and calls, are respectful and appreciative of your time and talents during the face-to-face (or phone) interviews, which reveals a lot about how you will be treated should you work there. If they ignore you for weeks on end or continue to give you special tests or assignment, once again: beware. If you are getting negative vibes during the interview (when a company should be wooing you if they are looking to hire you on), that’s a huge sign to continue with your job search.
There are many upstanding, great corporations both big and small for which to work. You deserve to work for a company that will value you, your skills and talents without treating you like a child and trying to control your every move.
Article excerpt from Forbes Magazine.
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