3 ways to spot a toxic workplace before taking the job

• A career coach shared how to spot a toxic workplace before accepting a job there.
• Laura Leuillier described three common signs visible during the recruitment stage.

From narcissistic bosses to sabotaging co-workers, problems at work can make your everyday life difficult.

Laura Leuillier, a career coach, shared three signs a workplace may be toxic that you can spot before you accept a job there.

1. A high staff turnover

If people are quick to leave a company, it could be a sign of problems, Leuillier says.

She suggests searching LinkedIn to figure out how long the company's employees typically stay in their roles at the company.

She says asking employees in your prospective team could be helpful, as could exploring comments about a company on Glassdoor. On Glassdoor, keep an eye out for negative comments that are repeated in different employees' reviews, she advises.

2. The hiring manager doesn't let you speak during the interview

Interviewees should be allowed to feel comfortable and showcase their skills but feel "healthily challenged," Leuillier says.

But she says that if the hiring manager doesn't allow you to speak or appears indifferent to what you say, that can be a sign they'll be difficult to work with.

"If you feel like they're not really listening to your answers and don't have time to ask questions that you need to, then that is a serious red flag," she added.

She says that if they start badmouthing other employees in the interview or seem overly defensive, that's also a bad sign.

3. They answer your questions defensively or with buzzwords

To learn a lot about a company's culture during an interview, Leuillier suggests asking your potential boss about the type of employee that thrives in the company, who they work best with, how they like to communicate, and how often.

"If they freeze up and get defensive or offended by those questions, that is a red flag. They should be welcoming," Leuillier said.

Certain buzzwords can show that a company has a negative culture, she says. Saying "work hard, play hard" could mean they don't prioritize work-life balance, Leuillier says.

She says all her clients who've had a "bad feeling" during the interview but accepted the position have gone on to have problems in that workplace.

Leuillier says that if you get a job at a toxic workplace, "chances are, you'll be back on the job market in six to 12 months."