Ploymint

Looking for work has become remarkably similar to online dating. More people are looking to the internet to find their ideal matches and, as with all online communications, not everything is at it seems. Numerous job-search websites allow companies of all sizes, both start-ups and major corporations, to post their career opportunities and wait for the resumes to come in. However, not all job postings are accurate, or even describing legitimate jobs. Knowing what to look out for before you send your resume in or attend an interview are key to keeping you safe and keeping you focused on the real thing.

If you see any of the following red flags in a job advertisement, proceed with caution.

No Mention of Company Name

This isn’t always a red flag since sometimes companies do post blind ads for one reason or another. Usually it’s because they’re looking to replace someone who is still working for the company and they haven’t been told yet. However, sometimes there can be something else behind it. The company may have a terrible reputation, or it may not even be a company at all. If interested, ask questions and get more information first before sending your resume in.

No Website

Everyone has a website these days. Even if it’s just a short and simple informational website with contact information and a list of services, there should be something there. With the number of people who conduct online searches before making a purchase, contracting a service, or considering an investment, every good business professional knows you must have an online presence. If there’s no website, do a little research of your own. If it’s a start-up company, the site may not be live yet, but ask. Before you send in your resume, let the company know you’d be interested in learning more information by looking at their website. If they can’t give you an address or an explanation, move on.

Vague Job Descriptions

Every Human Resources professional knows each new hire needs to see a copy of her job description upon hire. This allows the new hire to understand what the expectations are and allows the company to set standards of responsibilities and behaviors. Therefore, if a job ad is vague, don’t bother answering it. Companies seeking real professionals will include details on what the job expectations are and what the requirements are. This helps them to eliminate resumes they would otherwise get from people who aren’t qualified. A one-sentence job ad doesn’t inspire confidence that the company is looking for the right person.

Interviews at a “Home Office”

This doesn’t come across as often as the rest, but should be avoided at all costs if you do see it. Never go to someone’s home for a job interview. Even if they call it their office, even if their business really is run from their home, don’t go. If it truly is a legitimate business, and you’ve done your homework to verify the fact, the interview should be in a public place, like a library. There are also office spaces companies can rent out for these purposes. Never respond to an offer to interview at someone’s home.

Gender-Specific Job Descriptions

Hopefully our society will eventually get to the point where job candidates aren’t pre-judged based on their genders, but sadly we’re not there yet. However, companies are required by law not to discriminate against the protected classes, which include gender. If a job ad requests a specific sex, proceed with extreme caution. In some cases, like those looking for a nanny, requesting a specific gender could be what is best for the client, in this case the kids. An ad looking for someone to clean their house, who must be female and wear that silly French maid outfit, is to be avoided at all costs. Seriously, run!

Should any of these red flags come up, take a moment to really think about where you’re sending your resume. More companies now have career applications that run directly through their websites. Stick with those if you can, but if you are applying through job search websites, be sure to read between the lines.