Job Listing Red Flags 🚩🚩🚩

So, you’re on the job hunt, pouring over job post after job post. And there it is - you found what seems like the *perfect* job…or so you think. But, could it be too good to be true? If it seems fishy, there may be cautionary signs in the posting that could confirm your suspicion. 

Here are the job listing red flags to watch out for: 

When the job listing says, “We’re like family here” but doesn’t list PTO.

Job Listing Red Flags to Watch For

1. The job was posted months ago or is constantly reposted.
   This may be fine as a company may have many jobs or positions to fill, especially if they have seasonal positions. But, it could also be a sign of a high turnover rate.  

2. Spelling & grammar mistakes
   Let’s be honest - employers don’t want to see this on your resume and candidates don’t want to see this on job listings. It looks sloppy, unprofessional, and like there is little attention to detail. 

3. Laundry list of unrelated qualifications or experience
   If you have to tick A LOT of boxes just to get your foot in the door - this may be a red flag. The company may not know what they’re looking for or the scope of the role is too broad, which means you could be set up for failure.

4. No mention of PTO, sick leave, or hybrid work opportunities
   If these are priorities for you, you want to make sure your future employer prioritizes these too. Most of these are must haves for today’s employee. If the employer isn’t prioritizing the well-being of the team, then you may want to question the workplace culture and if that’s going to be a fit for you.

Decode these job posting buzzwords:

Now that you made it through the flags, let’s decode a few common job posting “buzzwords” to lookout for:

We’re looking for a flexible team player with a can-do attitude.
Alone, this could be fine, but if all if the description reeks of toxic positivity, you may be going into a workplace that isn’t open to feedback or change.

Extremely detail oriented. 
Because detail oriented isn’t enough? How many details do you have to orient? But really now, pending the responsibilities of the role this could mean good at filing or creating new pharmaceuticals. 

Work hard, play hard. We’re like a family.
Danger! Danger! Translation = we lack work/life balance and if you try to set boundaries you’ll be guilt tripped by another member of your “family.”

Of course, one or two of these red flags or phrases doesn't always mean something is wrong, but if the clues start to pile up, you may want to proceed with caution. When you do find that dream role, apply, and prep for your interview to land it with our handy checklist!