How to Identify a Job That's a Poor Fit

What's the one toxic thing a company will say that'll have you running out the door? Navigating workplace dynamics can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we don’t recognize the red flags of a toxic work culture until we’re already deep in it. I also believe that for professionals of color, the stakes can feel even higher. That toxicity can be stepped in some VERY deep -isms. But then you ask, well, how do I know? Here are three signs to look out for: 1. Performative diversity without the inclusion. Diversity is just the first step. If a company boasts about diversity in its mission but you notice a lack of representation in leadership, mentorship opportunities, or decision-making spaces, it could be a sign they might value optics over real equity. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a practice. You want to work somewhere that really sees you, not just a place that checks you off as a quota. 2. Lack of clarity and accountability. If you're joining an organization where expectations aren’t clear, feedback is scarce, and leadership avoids accountability, that's a sign. I had a friend who joined a company that didn't even have Job Ladders for her role nor did she know how decisions were made or why workloads felt unbalanced. Lack of clarity will hurt YOU. 3. Over-reliance on ‘culture fit’ A few HR professionals have told me they don't even like to use the word "culture fit" anymore due to its suggestion of assimilation. When hiring or promotions are heavily based on subjective "fit" rather than skill, it can reinforce cliques and unconscious bias. Pay attention to whether your contributions are valued or dismissed in favor of maintaining the status quo. If any of this resonates with you, know you’re not alone. This week on Let’s Talk Offline, Gianna Prudente and I dive deeper into this topic with HR specialist Kayla M. Kayla shares actionable tips on identifying a toxic work culture before it takes a toll on your mental health. Check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts and let us know what stood out to you!✨

Customer Success job seekers, bookmark this post before your next interview 🔥 Ending up in the wrong role sucks (especially when it could’ve been avoided with better questions): Here are 5 strategic interview Qs I’d ask to sniff out red flags: 🔥 “How do you balance visibility into your CSMs’ books with giving them autonomy?” 🚩 Why? I want to know if you’re a leader or a micromanager 🔥 “What kind of data do your CSMs have access to when making decisions?” 🚩 Why? It’d be good to know if I’ll be flying blind or empowered to be strategic 🔥 “What’s something you spend too much time on and wish you could delegate?” 🚩 I need to know if I’ll be a true partner to customers (or just glorified support) 🔥 “What’s one thing most people misunderstand about this industry?” 🚩 Is this role secretly way more boring, risky, or complex than it looks on paper? 🔥 “Can you share an example of how you’ve supported someone’s professional growth here?” 🚩 Tell me if you actually invest in your people, or if I’m gonna be stuck in the same spot The answers to these tell you way more than a job description ever will. PROMISE. Got a go-to question of your own for spotting a bad-fit CS role? Drop it in the comments and let’s build a whole damn toolkit down there.🥰