A job advert is often your first point of contact with a potential employer, and while it’s tempting to focus solely on the job title, salary, or perks, reading between the lines can reveal important clues about the company’s culture, management style, and whether the role is genuinely a good fit. Here are some red flags to watch out for before hitting apply.

Vague Job Descriptions

An advert that lacks detail about responsibilities, expectations, or required qualifications can signal that the company is disorganised or unsure about the role. Phrases such as “will be assigned various tasks as needed” or “flexible responsibilities” may sound ok, but could indicate unclear reporting structures, constantly changing duties or work being piled on in future.

Unrealistic Expectations

Demanding an excessive number of skills, years of experience, or qualifications for what seems to be an entry- or mid-level role should be a concern. Long requirement lists often suggest a company is either unaware of realistic expectations, trying to filter candidates unfairly or are trying to hire over-qualified candidates for a cheaper salary.

Focus on Perks Over Actual Work

Job adverts that focus more on perks like free coffee, team building events, flexible working or gym memberships but say less about core responsibilities, career growth, or company culture may be attempting to distract from deeper issues, such as high turnover or poor management.

Lack of Transparency About Salary

A posting with vague statements such as “competitive package” or “OTE 30,000+ per month” can be a warning sign – this usually means the base salary is low and they are dressing up a lower salary by adding the full ‘perks’ or commission potential on top.

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Constant Hiring

If a company seems to be hiring the same position repeatedly, it may indicate issues with employee retention, rather than expansion. Looking at reviews on platforms like Glassdoor can provide insight as to whether this is a role they find it hard to keep someone in or they genuinely are expanding their team.

Red Flags in Communication

Be alert if the contact information seems suspicious (e.g. a gmail address or similar), correspondence is limited to text messages, the application process is overly complicated, or responses are inconsistent. Poor communication during recruitment often reflects broader internal challenges.

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How to Protect Yourself

🔸Research the Company: Check LinkedIn, company websites, google and employee reviews to understand culture and reputation.

🔸Ask Questions: During interviews, clarify role expectations, team structure, and growth opportunities.

🔸Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it’s better to explore other opportunities than risk entering a toxic or unstable workplace.

Final Thoughts:

Not all job adverts are straightforward, but by spotting red flags early, you might avoid wasting time on roles that may not be a good fit and focus on opportunities that align with your career goals and values.