Besides employee turnover, what are other ways that I can tell if a company is good or bad to work for?

Question

I became unemployed over a year ago, and found a job which I regret taking now. The company treats it's employees terribly in every way, and the employees are leaving weekly, it is that bad. Initially, the company profile did sound great and professional. However, the company seemed to be online constantly, and after my first interview, I was hired immediately, little reg flags I ignored. I didn't know how bad it really was until I was there a few days. Of course I am in the job market again but I don't want to make the same mistake and end up in a similiar predictament. Any information will be immensely appreciated!

Answer 1

First, take a look at the amount of job openings in the company (or certain dept). Ask the reason (due to expansion? promtion? people leaving?) Not sure they'll be honest so watch the response very carefully.

If they are a public company go to the yahoo message boards and see if EEs are complaining. All companies have some disgruntled EEs, so you need to balance it. But if you hear them talking about layoffs or poor management, try to bring up some of these concerns on the interview (without actually saying you read them on the message boards).

Find a good employment agency. Ask them for feedback on the company. Ask the company itself about their turnover rate. Ask if their employees are happy. It shows you want to find a good fit...they'll appreciate that.

Try to listen as you wait in the lobby to be called for an interview. Do people walk around happy? Do you seem to see a family atmosphere or are they running around like chickens with their heads cut off)?

Ask around and network. Even if you don't ask your friends for jobs, ask them what they know about such and such company.

Answer 2

You can ask questions of current employees.
I got hired on by a company that ended up being a bad choice. I believed the interviewer about how much income people make but in reality it was only half.
Next time I look for another job I will definitely talk to current employees. Maybe ask if you could have a couple of hours on the job to see if it is a good fit?

Answer 3

Ask a few of the employees as you enter or leave. Call if you need to as well and speak to whomever answers the phone. They will not know who you are. Ask about the companies benefits. That will be a good indication as well. It is really all gut feeling and doing research online about the company beforehand. Hope that helps some.

Answer 4

Your current answer is: elementary, keep working along if you need income, and remind yourself on an hourly basis, MAKE MORE TIME for the looking ! Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett tune of a year or two ago,
"getting paid by the hour, older by the minute" so very true !

Answer 5

you could also look at their hiring/promotion practices (ask @ interview)-who wants to be stuck at the same place, doing the same thing w/ no hope of advancement ?

check out their company website, check on line to see if they've had recent downsizing

you can also check out careerbuilder.com- they have alot of tips for an effective job search: resume writing ,interview skills, etc

your local unemployment/ employment service office may have classes or infor on line as well

Answer 6

Do a look-up on any future potential employers.
Check their D&B rating to see if any internal money problems.
Check memberships with any professional organizations too.

Answer 7

My mom always tells me to look @ the people coming out @ the end of the day- do they look happy? or disgusted? or somewhere in the middle of the road?

Answer 8

not sure though but