Job description red flag checklist

A checklist for reading a job description before you apply

A job description is where you have the most control. As serial entrepreneur Ben Askins told CNBC, "you get to decide whether you join a business," and it is much harder to back out once you are in. Use this list to read a posting calmly. One flag is a question to ask. Several together are a reason to look harder or move on.

A note on fairness: a missing detail does not prove a bad employer. Postings are written by busy people and vary by site. Treat each item as something to check, not a verdict.

Part 1: Is the job clear?

Askins names four things to watch for in a CNBC piece: confusing corporate jargon, no salary or salary range, unclear job expectations, and mandatory offerings disguised as benefits or perks. He says one is not necessarily disqualifying, but multiple could be a worry. His reasoning: if the company did not do a good job on the description, it may be careless elsewhere, or may not understand what the role is, which can mean shifting goalposts.

- [ ] I can say in one sentence what this person does day to day.

- [ ] The posting names the team, level and who the role reports to, or I know I will ask.

- [ ] There are clear expectations or targets, not only phrases like "take us to the next level" or "think outside the box".

- [ ] A salary or salary range is listed, or I know where to find it, or I will ask early.

- [ ] The "perks" are not things the law already requires. Askins gives the example of legally required rest and lunch breaks in New York presented as a benefit.

Part 2: Does it match me?

Augsburg University's career center lists common struggles with job descriptions: jargon, the full scope of the job not being included (only the exciting parts, or vague), very long postings, and titles that make the real level hard to tell. It suggests that if a certain amount of information is missing, you decide whether the position is worth applying to.

- [ ] I meet most of the required qualifications, and I can tell required from preferred.

- [ ] The title and the duties match each other.

- [ ] The duties are the work I want to do.

- [ ] Location, schedule and pay fit my non-negotiables. Askins suggests writing down your negotiables and non-negotiables first, so each posting can be checked against them.

Part 3: Is this a real employer and a real job?

Carleton University's career service lists signs of job scams. A few that apply to a posting or first contact:

- [ ] The employer clearly identifies itself: organization name, the role and responsibilities, and how to learn more, such as an official website or contact information.

- [ ] Contact comes from an official organization email address. Carleton warns that scams often start with a legitimate-looking email and then move you to Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram or text. Even official-looking addresses can be spoofed, so never share banking details or personal information on email alone.

- [ ] There is a real interview, in person, by phone or on live video. Carleton says no one is legitimately hired by email, text or chat alone, and to be cautious if an "interview" is only text, pre-written questions, or extremely short and scripted.

- [ ] I am not being asked for money, banking details or sensitive documents before I have a real offer.

What to do with a flag

- Ask. Put the question in the first call: "What is the salary range?" "What would success look like in six months?"

- Check the source. Find the same job on the company's own site.

- Count flags. Askins says multiple concerns are worth worrying about. Move on when the unknowns stack up.

- Do not spray and pray. Career coach Jen DeLorenzo told CNBC that mass applying is not a good strategy. A focused search saves time and energy.

Quick scorecard

Count the boxes you can check. If you cannot check most of Part 1, ask questions before applying. If you cannot check most of Part 3, stop and verify the employer before sharing anything.

Never job hunt alone.