7 Red flags to avoid in your job search (and how to suss them out for yourself)
Mar 18, 2025
CLICK PLAY TO LEARN THE RED FLAGS TO AVOID IN YOUR JOB SEARCH:
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Here’s what you can expect from this episode:
Ever walked into a new job thinking it was the one, only to realize you just stepped into a nightmare? Yeah, let’s make sure that NEVER happens to you.
In this episode, I’m breaking down seven major red flags you cannot ignore when you’re on the hunt for your dream Customer Success role. The kind that’ll save you from waking up in a cold sweat, dreading Monday mornings. And I’m not doing it alone. I’m joined by Bri, one of our incredible coaches inside Carly Agar Training, who’s right in the thick of her own CS job search. Together, we’re unpacking these red flags with real-world examples, so you know exactly what to look out for.
We’re talking about unclear career paths that leave you stuck, high CS team turnover (never a good sign), and first-time CEOs or CS leaders with zero CS experience. Plus, the hidden red flag no one talks about—crappy access to data. Because if you can’t make strategic decisions, you’re set up to fail before you even start.
And most importantly, we’re giving you the exact questions to ask in your interviews so you don’t waste your time on a role that’s going to drain the life out of you.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to spot a bad opportunity before you even step through the door. And more importantly, how to land a CS role where you can actually thrive.
Hit play, and let’s make sure your next job is the right one.
Topics covered on red flags to avoid in your job search:
- Why having a leader with zero CS experience can leave you fighting for resources, misaligned on goals and without a true advocate
- How not having clear KPIs makes it nearly impossible to prove your impact or advocate for your role (because numbers always matter!)
- Why crappy data access forces you to play defense instead of proactively identifying risks and opportunities for your customers
- How CS reporting to Sales without a strategic seat at the table can shift your role from driving customer value to just chasing expansion
- Why high team turnover makes gaining trust and credibility with customers way harder
- How an unclear career path can leave you feeling stagnant and undervalued. (Plus, the exact questions to be asking in interviews to uncover a company’s growth opportunities)
- Why a lack of cross-functional collaboration will make advocating for customer needs feel like an uphill battle (and what to watch for before saying yes to a role)
Resources Mentioned:
- Learn how to stand out and get interviews in today's crowded job market. Watch my FREE Training: How I Help My Clients Stand Out & Get Interviews
- Want to know how to SELL your experience, stand out from other candidates and show up confidently to your Customer Success job interviews? Watch my FREE Training: Nail Your Customer Success Interviews
- Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me
Connect with Carly:
- Connect with me on LinkedIn
- Email me at [email protected]
Related Episodes:
- Episode 21: How to avoid a bad fit role (PART TWO)
- Episode 20: How to avoid a bad fit role (PART ONE)
- Episode 42: What CS Hiring Managers Really Want in 2025
- Tune in to the Customer Success Job Interview Tips Playlist
- Tune in to a curated playlist on tips to nail your next Customer Success Interview Presentation
More about Customer Success Career Coach:
Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join Carly and her guests as they spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – they’re diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, they’ve got the playbook for you. Every Wednesday, join Carly and her amazing guests as they dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar.