You should always check these details in job ads, or before accepting a new job offer. Here’s what you should know.
What we cover in this article:
- Important employment conditions to look out for
- Questions you should ask in a job interview
- Why you should always check your union coverage
Have you seen job ads that are asking the impossible? Or worse, jobs that are advertising below award pay and conditions? We have!
It’s smart to check all the information and conditions when you’re looking for a new job. If you’re in a hurry to get work, it can be easy to make hasty decisions, but there are some basics to look out for so you don’t get into a situation that you will regret later.
Red flags: Things to avoid when looking for a new job
Here are some red flags to look out for at a workplace.
Understaffing
If you visit where you will be working, you can often tell if there aren’t enough people to do all the work. Are you waiting a long time for service? Are people too busy to talk to you?
Pay offer under award
If there is a vague pay offer on the job ad, that is not a good sign. And if there is a pay offer that is below the award minimum, that is even worse. If you’re not sure what award covers your industry or how to look it up read our blog on this topic.
Unclear role and responsibilities
If the job description is asking for the world, then it’s likely the management is poor, your tasks will not be clear, you may be asked to do things outside your skill set. It’s best to have clear tasks that can be achieved during a standard shift.
Signs of a toxic culture
Check reviews on Glass Door,so you have an idea of the pitfalls and work culture at the company. If you work in the industry and have any contacts who may know this employer or people who have worked there, talk to them and do your research to find out more about the culture of the company. Also don’t go by just one bad review and use your own judgement.
Green Flags: Signs it’s a good place to work
If you can visit the workplace either before applying or before an interview, you will get some idea about the staff, management and workplace culture.
Health and Safety
Is there are up-to-date safety information and policies visibly displayed, it’s a sign of responsible management.
Union presence
Does the staff room have any union posters, visible policies, safety information?
Enterprise agreement (EBA)
Some workplaces have an enterprise agreement . This is an agreement between employees (usually union members) and their employer that covers the pay and conditions for the workplace. If there is an EBA, it means there is likely to be a strong union presence and coworkers who are interested in improving conditions.Find out more about EBAs here.
Friendly staff
It’s definitely a good sign when staff don’t appear to be stressed or overworked.
What you should ask in an interview
Job interviews can make you nervous, so it’s good to be super-prepared. Write some notes for yourself so you don’t forget to ask the important questions.
Remember a job interview is not only to help an employer decide if they want to employ you, it’s also for you to decide if you want to work for them.
When it comes near the end of the interview, a good employer will ask if you have any questions. At the very least, you need to know the basics before you can consider accepting a job offer.
If you’re not comfortable asking questions during the interview, or you just didn’t get around to it, don’t worry. Most of these should be answered in the offer letter if you are successful at the interview. But, you must have the answers to the following questions BEFORE you sign up and accept the job.
Is the job permanent, full-time, part-time, fixed-term or casual? This information should be available in the job ad, but it’s still worth checking.
What is the hourly rate? Make sure you’ve checked the award rate, so you are aware of the minimum hourly rate for the type of job you are interviewing for. In 2025, the minimum hourly rate according to the National Employment Standards is $24.95 for permanent staff receiving an adult wage (aged over 21), and $31.19 for casuals, which includes a 25% loading in place of annual leave entitlements. You should not be getting less than these rates per hour. You can check the current National Minimum Wage on the Fair Work website.
Are there penalty rates? Again, check the award, so that you can compare their offer with the minimum standard.
How much annual leave is offered per year? Are there other types of leave? Some workplaces have enterprise agreements with leave entitlements that are non-standard. Other types of leave you could be entitled to are Parental, Carer’s, Domestic Violence, Heat Stress, Long Service. United Workers Unions members have succeeded in negotiating a wide range of leave in our industries through enterprise bargaining, so it’s worth asking what is offered. Learn more about enterprise agreements in our blog.
How much is the superannuation payment? Remember the minimum compulsory super guarantee is now 12%. It’s illegal to get below this amount.
Is there an Employee Assistance Program? Some employers provide an EAP which means you can get a limited number of counselling sessions if you are experiencing stress at work or in your personal life.
If it sounds dodgy, it is. If you have all the relevant information and it’s a good offer, go for it!
And last but not least… maintain your membership!
Remember to maintain your union membership when you change jobs. UWU covers an estimated 25% of jobs in Australia, so it’s highly likely that your new job could be covered by UWU, even if you’re changing industries.
We understand it can be hard to maintain membership when you’re not employed and still looking for a new job. But if you call us, there are a range of options for you to maintain your membership at a price that’s affordable for you whatever your current situation.
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