Getting a ‘weird vibe’ from potential employer

Q I’m interviewing with a startup and their CEO’s personal social media profiles look sketchy. The job doesn’t report to him, but I’m getting a weird vibe. Should I accept a job offer if I get it? A I want to highlight an important aspect — you’re researching the company and its people, which is to be commended. Remember, just as they’re researching and interviewing you, job seekers should be doing the same.

As for whether or not you should accept the offer, here’s a friendly reminder: You have to get the offer first. Let’s not get ahead of the process. But it’s a good question since you won’t be interacting with the CEO on your job, as far as you know, but that can change especially since it’s a startup and you’ll probably simultaneously wear several hats. And do the CEO’s values impact the company? Absolutely.

Another option is to politely withdraw your candidacy right now since you’re already getting weird vibes. Another piece that should be considered is financials — if you’re unemployed and in dire need of an income or if you have income currently coming in. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but since you’re already given pause, that’s a sure sign this may not be the right path to pursue.

Q One of my direct reports produces awesome work. He is on top of it, but he’s a slacker when it comes to punctuality. He gets a lot done in a short time, but is late to meetings and more. It’s a bad look, yet he’s a top performer. How do I address the faults while not impacting his productivity?

A Let’s look at the positive because this is better than the reverse: being punctual but a poor performer. Yet, there’s room for improvement and it’s important not to overlook aspects such as punctuality.

Talk to him in person, preferably, and start with a compliment just like you did with this question. He does awesome work! Highlight that. Be genuine and authentic with your approach. Then mention the faults and how to improve them — these fixes are reachable and doable.

Focus on punctuality and why it’s important. Perhaps there’s an underlying reason like maybe he’s not challenged by the work anymore and has plateaued into boredom and is ready for more responsibilities. While you don’t want to pry into his personal life, leave the conversation open and ask if he needs more challenging work, a direct report, or something to keep him more engaged and motivated to be on time. I’ve seen strong performers talked to by HR because punctuality is important and they didn’t think it mattered… until HR got involved.

Aim for a dialogue, not a monologue and then to wrap the conversation, end on a good note and remind him that he’s a valuable member of the team. In your own notes, jot down when you talked to him and a recap of the conversation in case he doesn’t improve, so you have a timeline, but hopefully he will be set on the right track.