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If you’ve ever found yourself in an interview and heard a hiring manager express, “We resemble one large family here,” you may have felt comforted. After all, what could possibly be amiss with a tight-knit, encouraging workplace?
Nonetheless, according to career professionals, this expression frequently contains a more concerning subtext — one that may indicate excessive workloads, indistinct boundaries, and even a harmful culture.
Peter Duris, CEO and Co-founder of Kickresume, an AI-driven career platform, advises jobseekers to closely observe subtle language during interviews, as it can divulge much about a company’s atmosphere and expectations.
“One of the most recognized indicators of a detrimental workplace is when the hiring manager mentions something akin to the team being like a family,” notes Duris. “This may suggest that you’ll be anticipated to continuously exceed expectations and forfeit your personal time.”
Duris emphasizes that while some truly caring workplaces employ the “family” metaphor to depict a supportive environment, jobseekers should be wary if it’s accompanied by other cautionary signs — such as ambiguous replies, extended hours, or visible anxiety among staff.
What ‘we’re like a family’ can genuinely signify
Potential Green Flags Possible Red Flags:
A nurturing, inclusive atmosphere Pressure to work overtime or “go the extra mile” without acknowledgement.
Strong sense of community and team morale Emotional manipulation masked as loyalty.
Real friendships amongst coworkers Favouritism, cliques, or unclear boundaries.
Managers who provide personal assistance Pressure to prioritize work over personal life.
Additional warning signs to be vigilant about
Duris highlights that there are numerous other warning signals during interviews that may suggest poor oversight or a fragile company culture.
• Impolite or dismissive demeanor: If the interviewer is tardy, interrupts you, or appears preoccupied, it’s commonly a precursor to how employees are treated within.
• Ambiguous job descriptions: If the interviewer sidesteps inquiries regarding responsibilities or expectations, it could indicate disorganization or unrealistic workloads.
• Concealed pay information: “If a company hesitates to disclose salary details, especially later in the process, it’s a warning sign that intensifies over time,” Duris states. “Transparency regarding compensation should be standard.”
• Stressed or detached interviewers: Observe body language. “If the individual interviewing you seems fatigued or indifferent, that’s a clear indication of company morale,” notes Duris.
Another frequently overlooked sign is staff turnover. Platforms like Glassdoor can provide useful insights. “If you see consistent reports of high turnover, it’s worth probing why employees tend not to remain,” he recommends.
Not every discrepancy suggests the company is harmful — sometimes it’s merely a compatibility issue. “For instance, if you flourish in an independent and flexible setting, a highly collaborative or structured environment may not be ideal for you,” Duris explains. “These aren’t warning signs, just indications that your working styles might not align.”
Duris additionally provides guidance for candidates looking to create a strong impression themselves. “Speaking poorly of a previous employer is always risky,” he states. “Even if you experienced challenges, it’s better to discuss it professionally — for instance, ‘My last supervisor had a different leadership style than I’m accustomed to.’”
He adds that interviews are a reciprocal process: “You’re not merely being evaluated; you’re evaluating them. The best approach you can take is to stay observant, pose insightful questions, and trust your intuition. A truly healthy company culture won’t need to declare it’s ‘like a family’ — it’ll demonstrate it.”
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