RUN: Beware of These 8 Red Flags on Your Job Hunt
Jul 29, 2022 • Kimberly Hipolito
From social media to job search sites, the internet has all sorts of job postings. But how do you know if it’s worth applying to? Does it sound too good to be true or too unclear to be understood? Here are eight red flags for potential employers that you should watch out for!
1. It was originally posted months ago
Postings saying “URGENTLY HIRING” could mean that the company has high turnover for some alarming reasons. Also, if you discover that the job is constantly reposted, it could mean that no one wants to go for the job or they’ve heard some unpleasant things about the company and the role. Do a background check!
2. “Must be extremely hardworking and able to handle pressure in fast-paced environment”
This is shorthand for “your work-life balance is not a priority.” They could either be short-staffed or things are just disorganized in the company. It may sound exciting but you should think about its long-term effect on you.
3. Requiring five years of work experience for an entry-level position
This unrealistic expectation could mean that they’re only willing to pay an entry-level salary but the work should be done by an experienced employee. It might also be their way of low-balling fresh graduates who have impressive credentials and background.
4. Vague job description
Upon reading a job posting, you should already have an idea of what your day-to-day work would look like. If you notice a mismatch between the role and the job description, it just means that you are expected to take on more responsibilities that shouldn’t even be yours. In short, you’ll be exploited!
5. Unpaid training
Training is normal, but it can be a way for some companies to acquire free labor. You must know how long the unpaid training is expected to last because you couldn’t be wasting your time and effort for nothing.
6. No online presence
If you try googling the company and nothing shows up, that’s a red flag. The company or job might not be real at all and they’re just scamming you. At present time, almost all companies are using LinkedIn and other job search websites to hire people. If you just come across a job offer from Facebook and no other details are available, RUN.
7. “Earn up to xxx per month”
UNLIMITED EARNING POTENTIAL sounds tempting. But it could either mean that they have a low salary that will be supplemented by random bonuses. Or the job could be relying only on commissions. If they don’t disclose the base pay, run!
8. Asks you to submit/share sensitive information
Be suspicious if they’re already asking for your identification numbers and copies of your IDs early on in your interview process. Some companies may say that they need the documentation to verify your identity, only to steal your personal information. So be very careful when submitting such documents. There are a lot of job scams that you could encounter online.
These red flags may not necessarily be deal breakers. But they should be a sign for you to think twice and do your research to find out if the job is worth a shot or not.
We wish you all the best in your job hunting!
Have you encountered any of these red flags? Share it in the comments!
