While most of us are aware of looking for red flags in relationships, many of us may not think to apply the same awareness to our careers. Whether we realize it or not, organizations and companies tell us a lot more than we think – even before we get an interview – through the job posting.
Oh yes, the job posting. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and if we’re not careful, we could end up pursuing an opportunity that was already showing signs of concern. This isn’t to say job postings are the be-all and end-all, but in a sense, they are the first impression. So here are some red flags to look out for.
1. Vague or Misleading Language
You would be surprised at the number of postings that include either so much fluff or hardly anything at all.
Red Flags to Look For:
- ” We Offer Competitive Benefits and Compensation”: Yet the posting doesn’t list the salary or benefits. That’s fluff. If the salary and benefits are so great, why not highlight them on the posting? This can also apply to the job description itself – if it’s full of generic fluff not really highlighting what they need, then chances are they don’t know what they need, which isn’t really helpful to a job seeker.
- The Posting Title Doesn’t Match with the Actual Job: Sometimes buzzwords will be used in the “Job Title” section to attract certain candidates. Things like “entry level,” “remote,” or a high salary. But once you read the posting, it shares information that seems to contradict the title. For example, a posting could say it’s entry level, but under requirements it wants applicants to have years of experience. That is just misleading. So make it a point, especially for positions you’re interested in, to read everything.
- No Information About the Employer: Yes, these postings do exist – where they go into detail about the job and requirements, yet hardly any information about the company. That’s never a good sign. You want to know who you could be working for.
Instead Look For:
- Transparency: There’s a saying that clarity is kind – and that’s a good one to keep in mind. There are many organizations that do an awesome job not only being clear on basic requirements, but they go above and beyond. If they explain the hiring process, what onboarding will look like, or how they actually support their employees, that’s a place to apply to! Just look at how DuckDuckGo hires- totally transparent.
2. Unrealistic Expectations
It’s good for a posting to have details and expectations, but what’s really important for job seekers to know?
Red Flags to Look For
- A Shopping List of Responsibilities: Have you ever seen a posting that has an endless list of responsibilities? Looking at it is just exhausting, and this isn’t even for a C-suite or leadership role. Really, the responsibilities should be more of a summary of the main tasks of the role. Anything really beyond ten, in my opinion, is kind of a stretch and probably off-putting to any potential applicants, because the role is going to be filled by one person, not twenty…right? 😂
- Conflicting Priorities: Here’s what most postings sound like: “We want someone who’s a hard worker, gets stuff done while wearing many hats and pays attention to detail.” On and on it could go. What’s troubling about that is it doesn’t give the job seeker an idea of what the priority really is. Because at the end of the day, people are human and we have limits. So instead of listing every possible characteristic, maybe highlight the ones that would align most to being successful in the role.
Instead Look For:
- Simply and Realistic: We’re all trying to find the right fit, and the job posting should serve as an overview – focused on what’s important, clear in what the company values, and easy for the job seeker to navigate. Just take a look at Lego – click on any posting and it’s great they highlighted the “Core Responsibilities” and not every responsibility. Not to mention their postings actually sound like a person wrote them. It’s clear they’re looking for innovators and creators of the future.
3. Poor Formatting
Not only does what the posting says matter, but also how it’s arranged!
Red Flags to Look Out For:
- You Can’t Read It: You might encounter a posting where everything is squished together – no spaces or punctuation, making it difficult to actually read. Honestly, most of us probably end up scrolling past it because job seekers aren’t trying to be detectives.
- It Doesn’t Make Sense: We’re all human, and mistakes happen – no biggie! However, if there’s a bunch of grammar and spelling issues, along with info that’s a bit scattered, it could give off the impression that the company lacks professionalism and organization.
- Not Tailored to the Job Seeker: This one can be a bit tricky to spot! Sometimes, job postings are all about what the employer needs, forgetting to mention how awesome the role could be for applicants. It makes it a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack to find out about things like growth opportunities, benefits, pay, and all that good stuff.
Instead Look For:
- Organized and Purposeful: Clean, plenty of white space, organized into categories, and emphasis on benefits for prospective employees. Just take a look at Ancient Gaming, their posting are organized, spaced out, and they include “what’s in it for you” section, obviously appealing to the job seeker.
Final Thoughts
While it’s easy to get carried away and apply to any job, I would encourage you to take your time. Even from the very beginning, read the posting carefully, as you might catch some potential red flags like the ones we discussed. Recognizing those signs early on can save you from some struggles later on. So, happy job hunting, and cheers to you finding the right role for you!
Remember, you’re not alone on this path – you’ve got a Career Buddy!
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