What are some "red lights" animators should be aware about before getting hired?

Never work for free or for "exposure". Just a way to get new people to work lots of hours for little or no pay.

Hi ,

That's a great question. My answer is more in lines with general red flags for any job than specific to animators.

You should be looking for red flags and pre checks from the moment you see a job post.

-- Verify the Company and it's history. Check if it is something people in that industry know about or not. Or if no one has ever heard of that company. Check for their registrations on government websites if needed. It is extremely important so you don't get conned.

-- if the job posting is for an authentic Company but through a consultancy or recruiter, always verify if the consultancy or the recruiter is authorised by the company to hire for them or not.

-- If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true.

-- Notice if it is same person your Point of Contact or if it is getting changed. Also if all their mails are from their professional mail id or personal ; also if the language in mail is professional or casual.

-- When you get the offer / hiring letter , verify all the details in it .

-- Look out if your questions about the company and job gets answered satisfactorily or not. If it feels like they are trying to avoid or sugar coat their answer , most likely there's something fishy.

-- if it is a project based job always be clear about it's scope and timeline and when you will get paid for it.

-- If they ask you to pay them money to get you the job. BIG RED FLAG.

-- No hiring happens only over phone call if its in same city. Always visit the office.

Hopefully , you won't have to face any of these. Good Luck!