Red Flags in Job Offer: Warning Signs
Before signing, look for red flags. Vague salary, rush to sign, missing benefits, sketchy clauses. This guide lists common warnings.
Red Flags in Job Terms
(1) "SALARY IS COMPETITIVE": Not a number. Red flag. (2) "OFFER EXPIRES TOMORROW": Pressure to sign fast. Red flag. (3) "AT-WILL, $0 SEVERANCE": No safety net. Yellow flag. (4) "NON-COMPETE, NATIONWIDE, ENTIRE INDUSTRY": Too broad. Red flag. (5) "SIGN-ON BONUS, 24-MONTH CLAWBACK": Long clawback. Red flag. (6) "VESTING CLIFF 2 YEARS": Lose 50% if you leave. Red flag. (7) "NO BENEFITS FIRST 90 DAYS": Waiting period. Yellow flag.
Red Flags in Company/Process
(1) "NO BACKGROUND CHECK": Sketchy. Red flag. (2) "EMAIL FROM GMAIL, NOT COMPANY EMAIL": Not official. Red flag. (3) "RECRUITER INSTEAD OF HR": May not be legitimate. Red flag. (4) "NO DETAILS ON EQUITY": Vague on vesting/cliff. Red flag. (5) "PRESSURE TO SIGN IMMEDIATELY": Not giving time to review. Red flag. (6) "MULTIPLE CHANGES TO OFFER": They keep changing terms. Red flag.
How to Respond to Red Flags
ASK QUESTIONS: "Can you clarify [red flag]?" GET DETAILS: "What does 'competitive salary' mean? What's the number?" SLOW DOWN: "I need more time to review. Can we extend deadline?" REQUEST IN WRITING: Get all promises in writing. RESEARCH: Look up company on Glassdoor, check financial health. WALK AWAY: If multiple red flags and answers aren't satisfactory, walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
If offer has one red flag, should I reject it?
One red flag: ask about it and negotiate. Multiple red flags: seriously consider rejecting.
What's the most common red flag?
Vague salary ("competitive" instead of number). Always ask for specific amount before signing.
Can I address red flags after signing?
Much harder. Negotiate before signing. Once signed, you've lost leverage.
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