Going for a job interview in the UAE can be challenging but rewarding, therefore you should treat it as if you were the one doing the interviewing as much as the possible employer was. You want the best job possible, not just any job. Finding a firm that recognizes and appreciates your talents and experience is essential throughout your job search in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates.
When considering a new job, it’s natural to evaluate the company based on its benefits. Several factors, such as a looming visa expiration or financial difficulties, may cause you to rush into accepting a job offer. Here are the top red flags you should watch out for when job hunting in the UAE.
Contents
- 1. Very high staff turnover
- 2. Inadequate or out-of-date web presence
- 3. Employees having no time for anything outside work
- 4. Politics that is out of control and nasty
- 5. Severe lack of career advancement options
- 6. You have doubts about the hiring manager
- 7. There is a breakdown in teamwork and communication
- 8. Schedules are always being changed, and things are often a mess
- 9. Poor reviews and public image
- 10. Conflicting values
1. Very high staff turnover
One of the most prominent indicators is the rate of employee turnover. Employees will leave a firm in droves if they are being negatively affected by their working conditions and will do so without making a sound. Assess the state of your business by looking at the figures, taking inventory of your information, and comparing it to industry standards.
2. Inadequate or out-of-date web presence
A company’s internet presence tells you a lot about how it functions. To achieve this, you should monitor how well their online presence holds up against that of rivals and the industry at large on social media and in general. It’s essential to take note of warning signs, such as an out-of-date website or no social media presence at all.
It indicates that the firm isn’t keeping up with technological advances and market shifts. It’s understandable if they are still looking for a social media manager or a marketing person to handle their accounts but it also means they are not prioritizing their online presence especially if they’ve been in the field for a long time.
3. Employees having no time for anything outside work
It is in no one’s interest for their job to consume their whole life. People need downtime to spend with loved ones and maybe even take a trip. Employees are more likely to experience burnout and job-related stress when they are unable to strike a healthy work-life balance. Run for your life is the company has a family-type of team and is looking for an all-around kind of person.
4. Politics that is out of control and nasty
It’s a sure sign of a broken system when workers aren’t given the same opportunities for advancement and pay raises. Workplace strife arises when certain workers are treated more favorably than others. Employees who are singled out for special treatment start to believe they are more valuable than their colleagues. Because of this, there will be gossip, continual fighting, and a general atmosphere of animosity in your workplace. You don’t want to work for this type of company, run for your life!
5. Severe lack of career advancement options
Throughout your quest for a career, it’s also important to keep your eyes peeled for any chances to advance professionally. Inquire about the company’s commitment to your professional growth by asking about in-house training programs, mentorship programs, continuing education policies, and leadership development programs. If the interviewer is unable to provide you specific examples of how the organization will help you develop professionally, you may want to reconsider accepting the position.
6. You have doubts about the hiring manager
Everything else about your potential employer might be perfect, but if you don’t have a connection with your boss, you should give serious consideration to whether or not to accept the position. If they don’t appear to care about you, if your personalities clash, or if they have trouble expressing themselves, it may be a portent of things to come if you’re employed.
7. There is a breakdown in teamwork and communication
When tensions run high at work, it can be hard for people to communicate effectively. They spend most of their time at their desks, avoiding communication with coworkers. You reached out to existing employers via LinkedIn, but they evaded your questions about the company’s performance.
Often, workers don’t feel any sort of loyalty to their jobs. Staff members just care about getting their work done and getting out of the office as soon as feasible. As most workers avoid each other unless absolutely necessary, the office environment is rarely upbeat. You might also receive vague WhatsApp messages regarding your job interview and later on be ghosted, so beware of these types of recruiters or companies.
8. Schedules are always being changed, and things are often a mess
It’s not out of the ordinary to have to postpone an interview due to people’s schedules or unforeseen circumstances. But, when this occurs repeatedly, it should raise red flags that something is off. If anything has to be rescheduled twice and they want to do it again, that’s it. Your time is equally as important as theirs, therefore, they should explain why they need so much more of it from you.
And it tells you that you don’t matter all that much. Yet in today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial for companies to respond immediately to applicants, keep them in the loop, and treat them with respect due to actual workers.
They don’t value the individuals or the position enough to avoid constant rescheduling. They are blissfully unaware of the competition for top talent. Disorganization and a lack of order should always raise red flags.
9. Poor reviews and public image
When asked to rate their employer, employees will always give an honest assessment. They hope that anyone who reads it will gain insight into what it’s like to work for a corporation. When these ratings are consistently low, it’s clear that workers are unhappy with the company’s atmosphere. Glassdoor and Indeed reviews may provide invaluable insight into a company’s culture, so be sure to read them before accepting a position there.
10. Conflicting values
Inconsistency in core values is a major red flag. You should know what you value most about a firm before going in for an interview, and you should also be prepared with questions that will help you determine whether or not the corporate culture aligns with your own and whether or not you will feel comfortable expressing your beliefs on the job.
