When looking for a new job, one of the first places you likely look is online job boards, like Indeed or ZipRecruiter. While job boards are a great way to find new opportunities, they can also be a minefield of red flags. If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting your time and energy on a job that’s not a good fit for you. So how are you supposed to know what’s worth your time and what opportunities you can skip over? Keep an eye out for these red flags to avoid the extra headache!
Red Flags in Job Postings
Vague or Unrealistic Requirements
This is one of the most common red flags that you will see when job searching. If a job posting lists a bunch of requirements that seem impossible to meet or the job title contradicts itself (Entry Level Marketing Manager, for example), you probably want to steer clear from applying. This could mean the company is either disorganized or unrealistic in its expectations. It’s important to note that the job posting doesn’t have to be long to ensure it isn’t vague–so long as the information provided is straightforward.
A Lack of Information About the Company
When you’re applying for a role, you want to feel confident that you will fit in with the company culture, mission, and current employees. A good job posting will give you insight into the company, its size, industry, and culture. This allows you to gather an opinion before you even begin to submit your resume. The perfect listing will give you a glimpse of what the company’s about (while showing some personality) while also listing all of the critical information, such as salary, qualifications, etc.
No Benefits
If you’re applying for a part-time or temporary position or with a smaller start-up company, this may not necessarily apply to you. However, if you’re searching for a full-time role with a larger company and you have a list of benefits that are important to you, ensure that they’re listed in the job description. You should always be searching for a competitive salary and benefits package. Do you prioritize PTO? How about health insurance? Check for these before applying. A lack of them could be a sign that the company doesn’t care about setting its employees up for success in life.
Typos and Poor Grammar
Lastly, it’s important to take note of how the job posting is written. If there’s poor grammar or typos, you can either be stumbling upon a fake ad. Or at least one that is not worth exploring further. You take the time to apply for jobs and perfect your resume, and you don’t want to waste your efforts on poorly managed job postings.
In addition to the red flags listed above, there are a few other things to remember when you’re reading job postings. First, be sure to read the entire posting carefully. Don’t just skim it and assume that you know what the job entails. Second, pay attention to the company’s website and social media profiles. This gives you a better sense of the company’s culture and values. Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about a job, it probably isn’t.
Kickstart Your Job Search Today
Whether you’ve been searching for jobs for months or you’re just getting started, and you’re not sure where to begin, MBS can help place you in a role perfect for your experience and skills. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
