8 Red Flags To Look for in Job Postings

1. No Salary Listed

This can be a catch-22. Many times when employers don’t list a salary, it’s because they want you to toss out a figure they can then negotiate with. The employer usually always has a salary in mind that they’re willing to pay.

Before you specify a salary, if they ask for one, do some market research and see what the average rate is. This can give you some bargaining ground.

2. Contradicting Contact Information

In today’s era of cons, scams, and swindlers, you want to be sure that the job you’re applying to is legit. The best way to do that is to identify the source of the listing. If it’s posted by a company employee, you can verify they work for the company.

Another practice to get in the habit of is cross-checking the job ad with the company website. Oftentimes, the listing will be there, as well. That’s not always the case, though, so don’t let that alone discourage you.

3. Long List of Requirements

We get it. You have to have specific skills for specific jobs, but when employers start asking you to have what seems like every single one under the sun, it can be tedious. Compare the job’s tasks with the listed requirements and see if they match up.

If the list of requirements is extensive and the salary is low? Consider that a fair warning that you might be tasked with doing far more than you ever agreed to, possibly even doing the jobs of two people for one salary.

4. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

We’re all human and thus all make mistakes, but in a job ad, there shouldn’t be any spelling or grammar errors. That shows little attention to detail and it’s easy enough to get a second set of eyes on a listing before it goes live.

While I wouldn’t say to rule a job out entirely because of this (remember, we’re human), it would be something that would give me pause. If it’s the only red flag in a listing, it might be worth a second look.

5. Low Salary

This can be a tough one for some people, especially if they’re potentially excited about the job listing and the opportunities it can bring. If it’s a start-up company, funds might be low and you could have the chance to grow with it from the ground up.

On the flip side of that, however, is the ugly truth that some companies don’t like to pay their employees what they’re worth. It can’t hurt to see if the salary is negotiable. You can then make a decision after speaking with the hiring manager.

6. Lack of Benefits Mention

Unless a company funds its workers through freelance entirely, they should have some sort of benefits package. Basic health, dental, vacation, and retirement plans are commonplace and should be offered for a full-time position.

If the listing does not include a benefits mention, you can always ask about it during an interview. If the company does not offer them, you might want to look elsewhere.

7. Multiple Interview Rounds

There are some jobs, such as engineering or computer programming, where you might need to go through multiple rounds of interviews. These often include a test to demonstrate your technical skills. However, that should never be commonplace.

If you have to jump through hoops just to get the job, that is likely indicative of the work environment you’ll have, as well. Not only that, but it can take weeks to complete the interviewing process, depending on the availability of those involved, and during that time, you could potentially land another position or give up on another one.

8. Mentions of Weekend Work

There’s nothing wrong with working on the weekends. Sometimes, it’s inevitable. Fields like accounting, particularly at month-end closes, and companies with tight product launches, might mandate it from time to time.

However, today’s office culture is typically Monday to Friday with set working hours. If an employer mentions working weekends, be sure to ask how often, because it could impact your work-life balance, and that could prove problematic down the road.

Are All of These Necessarily Deal-Breakers

Not at all. They’re just potential red flags to look out for. In many instances, there’s no foul play intended, companies are just looking to be short and succinct. However, as someone who may prospectively work with them, you have a right to know what to expect.

Naturally, if they do give you a bit of concern, you should bring them up during an interview. Do not email the person or the company asking these questions. Just apply and if they reach out for further contact, that opens the door to discussions.

Another great article by David Wilson of Easton Pennsylvania

The Ring of Hire Podcast

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