3 Signs You Need to Run From That Job Offer -- Fast

One of the nice things about the unemployment rate dipping below 4% is that job candidates are in high demand and are getting much nicer offers (more pay, free Doritos for life, massage chairs), but that doesn't mean all employers are going to make your life better.

No matter where you interview -- whether it's with a Fortune 100 company or a start-up -- you need to make sure that you're not being bamboozled. (That's an old-fashioned word for someone trying to fool or cheat you.)

Here are some warning signs that you may want to think twice about working for an employer:

1. Basic courtesies are not present. Are you getting interview emails that read something like, "Be here at 9" and don't include anything about how they're looking forward to meeting you, instructions on where to park or who you will be meeting? Then that's a warning sign. When simple manners go out the window, it's often a sign that there's some underlying hostility in that workplace that doesn't bode well for daily civility. Pay attention to the demeanor of those you meet, from the office receptionist to the C-suite honchos. Bad vibes start at the top and infest a company -- never a good atmosphere to face every day.

2. Vagueness. When you don't get a clear job description of the position, with examples of the kind of work you will do, then that can be concerning. It either a) means the position isn't considered critical so no one really pays much attention to it or b) it's deliberately vague so they can pile on whatever they choose after you accept the position.

3. You don't get to meet many people. The employees you do meet seem straight out of central casting: "Yes. We love it here. Wonderful. Yes. We love it here. Wonderful," they say, smiling widely. Make sure you've got your Spidey sense on full alert. If they won't let you talk to a wide variety of people, there could be a reason why. Check out ratings on Glassdoor to see if there are some consistently bad reviews -- also look for mentions on social media that may help you spot potential problems.

When the job market is tough -- as during the Great Recession -- sometimes you have to take what you can get just to pay rent and put food on the table. But when things are going in the favor of the job seeker, then I certainly think it's worthwhile to ensure that you're taking a position that will be a great fit -- and a nice place to work.