I've been doing a lot of hiring lately, which really makes me think about how potential employees view a company. What I've learned is that despite how people make hiring sound like this big mystery, it turns out (shocker!) transparency makes it easier for everyone. Anyway, if you're job hunting, I love these kinds of tips and advise you to look for employers that don't use these phrases. If they aren't willing to clarify what all this means, don't apply!
Kim Shiffman
4mo
I spent nine months job hunting in 2023 and saw a lot of these cringey phrases. Unfortunately, with the job market the way it is right now, many job seekers don't have the luxury of not applying based on red flags. Thankfully I held out and ended up with an excellent employer but not everyone is as lucky.
Steve Fischer
4mo
Do you have 'a passion' for being a low-paid slave? So often, the word 'passion' is used by job advertisements and lazy recruitment firms. Perhaps job advertisements need to state what they think good customer service is, what they do/don't expect and be upfront about their expectations. A job advertisement is not just a job, it highlights why an applicant wants to or should work for you. What sets your business apart from the other run of the mill firms out there? How do I get on board?
Dennis Pul
4mo
Correct me if I have misinterpreted this, but I get the impression that the people that write the job ads describe their most ideal candidate that is often slightly removed from reality. One of my favorites is " A recent college graduate with a minimum of 10 years experience". How many candidates meet that requirement?
KJ Aiello
4mo
Yes, all of these! They make me cringe. 🚩
Adam Lewis
4mo
These are absolutely true.
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4mo"Pay commensurate with experience" Vagueness about compensation is always a red flag. The only reason you want this job is the compensation, so any attempt to obfuscate the pay is a dirty trick from the get-go. Phrases like “commensurate with experience” or “pay is competitive” shift all the power to the employer. You’ll jump through hoops to get through interviews and other steps in the hiring process, and only when you’re psychologically hooked via the sunk costs fallacy do you get to enjoy being lowballed. “Unlimited potential” When this phrase is used in conjunction with vague language around salary and compensation, it’s a bright red flag. Phrases like this are usually paired with wildly broad salary ranges, but usually mean you’re going to be offered a low starting rate and all the “potential” involves commissions and incentives you will probably never achieve. There’s nothing wrong with commission-based compensation as long as it’s clearly stated and up-front. But slippery phrases like this are designed to plant the high-end number in your head without committing to anything.”