When people are in the process of vetting a new role, sometimes it gets worse, not better as the process goes on. Yes, it’s great when you only get more and more excited about the new job. But sometimes, you start getting warning signals….which conflict with the appeal of a higher salary, promises, and the “new shiny” thing high. Here are some warning signs you should pay attention to:1. You feel worse…not better the more people you meet and the further down the process it goes. A small voice inside you starts asking questions “Why are they having me do that?” “It seems like there isn’t a lot of buy in”….listen.

2. The process is too drawn out: people move relatively fast when there have an important gap to fill. If your process is going on for weeks on end: either they’re not serious about the role, or they’re not serious about you. The only exception is if someone key is travelling…but even then, there’s the phone.

3. You imagine that you’re in the job, and you feel….nothing. Or exhausted.

4. Big promises are being made: promotions, increases, bonuses….basically anything that isn’t in writing in your offer letter.  Smile politely, but don’t base your decision on it.

5. Research the company: how are they doing?  Remember, when they need to cut people it’s usually “Last in, first out”.

The jobs I turned down….yes, I never found out what it would have been like. But I also heard enough after that made me realize I made the right choice.