The information a company puts in a job description can be very telling. We’ve all seen really thorough and elaborate descriptions, and we’ve seen very basic and sparse ones as well.
Job descriptions can be great indicators of what a job can be or they can greatly mask the reality of the role. This is why it’s important to read them carefully and try to read between the lines. A quick skim of job details will not suffice, or you could be in for a bit of a shock.
To help you better decipher what you are reading, our Toronto recruiters have put together a list of red flags to watch out for in job descriptions:
1. It’s Always Relisted
If you’ve been keeping your eye on job listings for a little while, you may see the same job get relisted on a regular basis. This is one of the biggest red flags. It’s a sign that the company is having a difficult time keeping people. The job may be as advertised, or there could be a host of other issues within the organization. It could also be a sign of a scam. Tread carefully.
2. Way Too Many Job Requirements
You’ve seen them before—job ads with a seemingly endless list of requirements. There are so many requirements that any candidate would be hard-pressed to meet them. This is a red flag. Why? It could be a sign the company is not sure about the type of candidate they are looking for. It can also mean they have not clearly defined the role, creating some uncertainty as to the type of job you are actually applying for.
3. A Huge Salary Range
Understanding salary expectations is important information. Some jobs make claims of great earning potential or provide a huge salary range. This usually means the job is commission-based with a low base salary. If you are not open to commission-based roles, you may want to steer clear of these types of jobs.
If you are not sure about a job, do some research. Check out the company website and look at company review websites to see how employees have rated them. The reviews will tell you what you need to know about the legitimacy of the company, and you’ll have a strong sense of what it would be like to work there.
Read More About Job Descriptions From Toronto Headhunters
Get more insights from our expert Toronto recruiters. Check out these recent blogs about job descriptions:
Are Your Job Descriptions Lacklustre? 5 Tips to Immediately Improve Your Job Description
What Candidates Are Really Attracted to in Your Job Listing
3 Ways to Create Compelling Job Titles that Attract the Best Candidates
IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
