We've all been there - looking through job listings, going blind from all the business-speak. But behind all that fluff, job descriptions can raise some serious red flags about a company's working environment or hiring practices.
It's easy to get excited about the fancy job titles or tempting perks, but taking a closer look at how a role is described can save you from a dissatisfying, or even dangerous, working situation in the future. Sometimes the red flags are harder to spot, but learning to recognize them is an important skill that will help you make better decisions.
Toxic Workplace Red Flags
Some workplaces are just unhealthy to be in, and anything that can help you walk away before you apply is a big help. Here are some tips for spotting the red flags of toxic workplaces in job descriptions:
Unrealistic Expectations
If a job description has phrases that sound like you'll be chained to your desk 24/7 like, “open to working overtime” or, "must work unlimited hours," that's a huge red flag. Yes, there will be times when staff need to work a little extra, and some jobs have staff that are paid to be 'on call', but an employer taking total control of your personal life is not OK. They can ask, but that doesn't mean you should say yes!
The Details Don't Make Sense
Be careful if the job title and responsibilities don't match. For example, a description calling a position an "Associate" role but then describing the responsibilities of a manager is not a good sign. Another common example is an “Entry level” job that requires 3-5 years of experience, that's not entry level!
Unclear and confusing descriptions with little specific information are also not to be trusted. For example, “You'll be responsible for handling a number of tasks"- there is no real detail here because it doesn't clarify how many "a number of" is or what these "tasks" are. If you apply for this, you could be applying for anything.
Positive Language for Negative Activity
Job descriptions that use words like "intense", "demanding", or "fast-paced" could be using exciting words to describe a high-stress workplace culture that always results in burnout. Challenges can be motivating but working for a company that constantly hires new staff, and loses them when they can't continue, is chaotic and unhealthy.
No Work-Life Balance
If the company hiring doesn't mention benefits, paid time off, or flexible working, it's a red flag. Companies that truly value work-life balance will highlight it because it makes working for them more attractive.
Culture Over Qualifications
Some focus on fitting in with company culture is normal but too much talk about how "cool" they are, or seeming to value their culture more than skills and experience, could be a sign they are more of a cult than a company. They could be looking for staff that just follow everyone else, don't ask questions, and don't take care of their own needs.
Possible Scam Red Flags
Sadly, scammers are getting creative and have learned to target job seekers through attractive job posts. Here are some red flags to look out for so you can find your next job without the heartache:
Unclear Pay Details
Legitimate jobs should provide some pay information upfront, even if it's just a range. Be skeptical of descriptions promising "unlimited earning potential" with no specifics. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
Commission Only Pay
It's not uncommon in some industries to get paid for how many sales you've made that month, but be careful when job descriptions are unclear about what exactly your targets will be. It's too easy for a scammer to change an unclear target and decide not to pay you.
Requesting Personal Info Right Away
An employer should never ask for personal information like your credit card number or birthday before interviewing you. That's a clear red flag for a scam, they are either trying to steal your money or your identity.
Unprofessional Descriptions
One or two typos isn't a major problem, but a description with lots of errors, or one missing basic details about the company, is a big worry. They know who they are and who they want to hire, right?
Worrying Responsibilities
Any job involving transferring money, reshipping packages, using your personal account, or other weird requests could be a fraud scheme, so stay away. If you are uncomfortable with the ethics of what you are being asked to do, thats a clear sign there will be more unethical tasks in the future.
Upfront Fees
They want you to pay to get hired? That's a definite no. Run! Scammers often say there are registration fees or one-off payments for expensive training. Don't be fooled, there is no job waiting for you after that payment.
Recruiting Your Friends and Family
Any job description that talks about selling things to your friends and family or recruiting people you know to sell things is a huge red flag. This is probably a pyramid scheme. All the money goes to the people at the top and it comes from the employees, not product sales.
Wrap Up
If you spot red flags, trust your instincts. It doesn't matter if that's lots of little flags or one giant one, your body is telling you something is wrong and you need to protect yourself. Either walk away now or find out more about the company before you apply.
If you aren't sure about a company, go online and research:
reviews from previous employees.
where and if the company is registered.
customer feedback and reviews.
their website's rating on Scam Adviser.
if anything comes up in a search engine when you search "<company name> scam" or "<company name> illegal."
Before you accept any offers, make sure you really want to work with this company. You deserve to work for somewhere with nothing but green flags and recommendations. Trust yourself and stay safe!
Helpful Links
Stay Safe Job Hunting - a 5-minute safety guide to online job searches by the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
Job Scams and Employment Fraud - a detailed 8-minute read on how job scams and employment fraud work.