To Apply or Not To Apply: 6 Job Post Red Flags

When you’re deep in a job search, you don’t want to skip any chance to find your perfect situation. But some seemingly enticing opportunities can quickly become disappointing wastes of time. For that reason, you need to stay vigilant about job-post red flags, so you can avoid applying to a dead-end position.

One study showed that nearly three-quarters (72%) of job seekers have regretted taking a new job shortly after starting. Ideally, you’d be able to avoid these circumstances before they become career cul-de-sacs.

To do that, you need to hone your ability to spot bad situations before you invest too much time and energy. This starts with the job post. With that in mind, here are six red flags to watch out for to determine whether a position deserves an application:

You See the Post Over and Over

You see a post and feel intrigued. After applying, you wait to hear back. Then, a couple of weeks later, the same post pops up.

Even before you hear back from the company, you should get that warning tingle. A company that has trouble filling a job might have significant issues with the pay or work conditions. Or the firm needs to continually seek out new employees because it has trouble holding onto talent.

A Lack of Company Details

After you read a job post, you should have a good idea of who you’ll be working for. Even if the description doesn’t give all the details, it should refer you to a company website or other information for further research.

However, if you finish a job post and still have no idea who would be hiring you, that points to a general problem. What’s with all the mystery? The lack of straightforward details could suggest a suspicious situation.

Shady Payment Structure

Not all job posts include a pay range. Ideally, you’d have some idea of the general amounts under consideration. But worse than a lack of information is a clear indication that the subject of money will get excruciatingly complicated.

Signs of trouble include commissions, pay-per-output, or cash amounts based on performance. Bonuses and commissions can be part of a legitimate payment structure. But the more complex the situation, the more skeptical you should become.

Lots of Jargon

Some positions come with a heavy dose of jargon. An employer can’t help it. High-tech fields or roles with specific requirements are going to have their share of esoteric terms.

However, a job represents more than a series of tasks. A company that relies too heavily on industry slang might not have the culture you need to thrive over the long term.

Signs of a Toxic Culture

Sure, you want to join an organization that values achievement and success. A company that allowed seven hours of goofing off in every eight-hour shift won’t last very long. Still, a balance between output and humanity is required for sustainable success.

As such, stay alert for signs of a toxic culture. This template includes companies that pit their employees against each other or attempt to extract as many working hours as possible out of their team members. You don’t want to join a firm that doesn’t mind grinding you down for a profit.

Request for Unnecessary Personal Info

Stay alert for scams. Some job postings aren’t opportunities at all, just phishing operations looking for personal details. As such, don’t share too much information in the application process.

Some details, like the info on your resume and your contact details, are required. But get suspicious if you get requests for items like:

• Birthdate
• Social Security Number
• Home Address

During a job search, every moment counts. As such, you don’t want to waste time on any dead-end situation. A top recruiter, like SmartTalent, will make sure that you only pursue situations that match your skills and experience.

Contact SmartTalent today to get started.