Reading Between the Lines in Job Postings

Red Flags in Job Descriptions: What Candidates Should Watch Out For 🚩 As an HR professional, I've seen job descriptions that make me cringe – and candidates deserve better. Here are the warning signs that should make you think twice before applying: 1). The "Unicorn" Job Description "We need someone with 10+ years of experience for an entry-level salary who can do marketing, coding, graphic design, accounting, and make great coffee." Red Flag: Unrealistic expectations with multiple unrelated skill requirements. This often indicates poor role planning or an attempt to hire one person to do three jobs. 2). Vague Compensation Details "Competitive salary" | "Based on experience" | "Great benefits package" Red Flag: If they can't provide a salary range, they're likely underpaying or haven't budgeted properly for the role. 3). The "Family" Culture Warning "We're like a big family here" | "Work hard, play hard" | "Looking for rockstars and ninjas" Red Flag: Often masks poor work-life balance, unclear boundaries, or unprofessional environments. 4). Immediate Start Desperation "Urgent hiring" | "Start ASAP" | "Previous person left unexpectedly" Red Flag: High turnover, poor planning, or toxic work environment that caused sudden departures. 5). Excessive Requirements for Junior Roles "Entry-level position requiring 5+ years experience and advanced certifications" Red Flag: Unrealistic expectations that show disconnect between role level and requirements. 6). Language That Demands Overwork "Must be available 24/7" | "Overtime expected regularly" | "We work weekends when needed" Red Flag: Poor work-life balance and potential exploitation of employees. Trust your instincts – if something feels off in the JD, it probably will be in the actual role. To my fellow HR professionals: Let's do better. Clear, honest, and realistic job descriptions attract the right candidates and set everyone up for success. To job seekers: You have every right to ask clarifying questions about red flags you spot. The interview process goes both ways! What other red flags have you encountered in job descriptions? Share your experiences in the comments below! #HR #Recruitment #JobSearch #TalentAcquisition #CareerAdvice #JobDescriptions #HiringTips #WorkplaceCulture

Seen in the wild on a job posting... 👀 "To get the best candidate experience, please consider applying for a maximum of 3 roles within 12 months to ensure you are not duplicating efforts." When I first read the posting, I was a little taken aback. But then I thought about it some more... all they are asking applicants to do is to slow down and make sure they are using their three submittals for the absolute best jobs for them. It even says "consider" only applying to three in twelve months. No one is stopping any candidate from applying to whatever they want... but... You know who is never going to get called from this organization? Someone using a resume submittal service that applies to 20 jobs at this company, 18 of which they aren't qualified for. I am here to honestly tell you from the bottom of my very soul -- volume of submittals is not the reason you are not getting called. It just isn't. If volume worked, people wouldn't come to me for help after making 250+ submittals with two interviews. They would have jobs. 🎯 Targeting is the issue. ❓ Understanding what the hiring manager wants is the issue. 👁️ Not reading the entire job description and only looking at the list of bulleted requirements bites a lot of people. Today in your job search, will you do something for me? Will you please slow down when you read a job description and focus on the paragraphs above the bulleted list of requirements? If you have to, cut and paste it into a document and put a couple of returns after each sentence. That will make it so you don't scan the posting, but slow down and read the whole thing. I promise you that what the hiring manager actually wants and the criteria for an interview are in those top paragraphs. How do I know that? 🦄 - I've written thousands of job descriptions/postings as a recruiter. - Every time I do this exercise with my clients, the response is, "Oh, I guess I missed that. I see why I didn't get a call now." Requirements simply set a baseline for the role. That's it. They may have some knockout questions or criteria, but the strategy, pain points, and position goals are the top. Focus on that, and you are going to get better hits. Pop your questions in the comments. Let me know if you want me to make a video on how to analyse a job description. #careercoach #jobapplicationtips #jobsearch #recruiting #interview

Been there, scrolled that: vague job descriptions and "fast-paced environment" shouts. All a subtle way to say “You’re going to have a hard time” 😒 But after working as a tech recruiter, engaging with candidates, and working alongside clients that go from being 100% transparent to wanting to hide some details, I know these can be HUGE red flags. So, how can you sniff out a potential bait-and-switch before you even hit "apply"? Here are a few red flags to keep your eyes peeled for: 👉 The job is fully remote but then it says that you need to be in the office for specific days 👉 Hybrid job that requires being in the office 4 days: everyone, that is not what a “hybrid job” is 👉 Salary compatible with experience: honestly, what does this even mean? What about giving a salary range? 👉We need a “rockstar” or a “ninja”: that’s a quick translation to “you are going to have an unrealistic workload in an awful company culture” 👉 We play hard and work harder: short for “we party a lot - good luck if you dislike parties - and we have, yet again, an unrealistic workload waiting for you” 👉“We have fresh fruit, ping-pong table or standing desks”: if a company focuses on highlighting things that may not even be deal-breakers for candidates instead of being transparent about the tasks and salary, run. Run for your life. But wait, there's more! This is just the tip of the iceberg. What other sneaky red flags have YOU encountered in job postings? Share your experiences in the comments below to help fellow job seekers avoid being played! #GoncaloHiires #LinkedInNewsEurope #jobsearch #techcareers #redflags #careertips