Bad first impression? When you exchange emails, messages, or early phone calls, are you getting any hints that they might be jerks?.Assholes attract and breed more assholes. Exposure to other assholes? Have they worked with or been trained by known assholes? That’s a red flag.If they worked with the group or person you are considering, the information will be especially instructive. Past victims or enemies? Seek out those people who left because they were unhappy or got fired in particular.Who do you know who works with them now or has in the past? What can they tell you about the people and the place in general, and what insight do they have about the particular work you will do and people you will deal with?

But beware that Glassdoor’s list of the 10 worst workplaces or Fortune’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” aren’t necessarily likely to match the experience you will have with any particular department, group, person, or client. Check respected sources of ratings and rankings. Foresee and Steer Clear of Jerks: Asshole Detection Tips

Rules of survival summary