Scrutinize the job description. If the language isn't inclusive, or uses gendered terms, or "code ninja" phrases, it's a good sign that they obviously didn't think about who might be reading their job post, which indicates a toxic environment.
Research the team, a lot. Google them, look at their linkedins, check to see if they have an engineering blog and who is writing those posts. See if their team speaks at conferences, and who is visible (if anyone). It'll tell you a lot about how supportive (if at all) the management and leadership is. Particularly keep an eye out for POC and URMs, and see if the company uplifts and supports them, their voices, and their work.
Keep your eyes peeled during the interview process. Do they have any URMs in the interview process, at all? Are they speaking equally, or is one person dominating the conversation? When you interview with management, specifically ask them what they do to support engineers on their team, and look for concrete answers, not vague ones. If you interview with a member of the team who is from an underrepresented group, be sure to ask them about their experience. I like to ask them what drew them to this company/why they chose it. Their answer might shed a lot of light on whether the environment is toxic or welcoming.
I'm sure there are more things to look out for, but these are the main ones that come to mind! I hope this helps. ☺️
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I look at a few things throughout the process!
I'm sure there are more things to look out for, but these are the main ones that come to mind! I hope this helps. ☺️