These Common Phrases in Job Descriptions Are Red Flags.
We have become a nation of job hustlers. These days, people stay in a job for an average of just over four years , and if you’re a millennial or younger, that figure drops to just under three years. And more than half of all workers plan to find a new job in the next year.
This means you’ve probably read a lot of job descriptions and know that you can be easily scammed. A job that looks great on paper can be a nightmare in real life. Good news? There are clues to watch out for: red flags that indicate a toxic work environment or an employer who doesn’t value your time and mental health. Employers can’t seem to stop themselves from using these phrases and are in fact using them more and more often—if you know how to decipher the language of job descriptions and spot these red flag phrases, you’ll save yourself some time. a lot of heartache.
“We’re like family”
There is probably no more toxic phrase in job descriptions than calling the workplace a “family.” It may be intended to create a warm, supportive environment, but in reality it usually involves a workplace with no boundaries and no work-life balance. This phrase often implies an expectation to go beyond one’s actual responsibilities, attend non-work events without additional compensation, and accept warm and fuzzy treatment in lieu of real money.
“Wear many hats”
There’s a reason we have job descriptions . They protect both the employer, who can point the finger at them if you fail to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in them, and the employees, who can point the finger at them when they are suddenly asked to take on roles for which they are neither trained nor willing.
The phrase “wearing many hats” indicates a complete disregard for this key element. Essentially, this means that there is no defined role and you will do whatever needs to be done regardless of whether you are capable of it or not. What this also means quite clearly is that if you manage to keep all those plates spinning, you’ll simply be given more responsibilities and duties, most likely without additional compensation—you’ve been warned, after all.
“Work well under pressure”
This charming psychological manipulation will have you running for the hills. This is a type of sales tactic: it creates a challenge and a sense of urgency . If you turn down a job, it’s because you can’t handle the pressure, not because you don’t want your life to suck – it creates a feeling of failure that you want to prove wrong. This phrase also clearly implies that you will be faced with a toxic environment in which there will be no boundaries, and any hesitation or resistance will immediately be seen as you withering away under “pressure.” Don’t want to log into Slack at midnight? Would you like to come to the general meeting on Saturday? Refuse to do any work that requires “pressure.”
“Rapidly changing environment”
Mastering a “fast-paced environment” is a complex phrase that sounds exciting: you won’t be bored! But this is a classic sign of a toxic workplace . This indicates an environment that glorifies stress. A healthy workplace should avoid stress among employees, as stress actually reduces productivity and productivity. If the job description implies that stress is considered natural or healthy, you’ll be miserable—and worse, you’ll work for a company that will never understand why it has high turnover and low productivity across the board.
“Independent/Independent”
Any company that puts this in a job description is essentially admitting that you won’t receive enough training or support. You can figure it out and enjoy your work – it’s possible. But you will have to learn almost everything, and failures will be entirely on your conscience. This phrase could also indicate that the company isn’t even sure what your role should be and wants you to figure it out on the fly.
“Salary commensurate with experience”
Uncertainty regarding compensation is always a red flag. The only reason you want this job is for the pay, so any attempt to hide the pay is a dirty trick from the start . Phrases like “commensurate with experience” or “pay is competitive” put all the power in the hands of the employer. You’ll struggle through interviews and other stages of the hiring process, and it’s only when you’re psychologically hooked on the sunk cost fallacy that you’ll be able to enjoy being priced out.
“Limitless Potential”
When this phrase is used in conjunction with vague language about salary and compensation, it is a bright red flag. Phrases like this usually come with an extremely wide salary range, but usually mean you’ll be offered a low starting rate and all the “potential” includes commissions and incentives that you’ll likely never achieve. There is nothing wrong with compensation as long as it is clearly stated and upfront. But slippery phrases like these are designed to plant a high-profile number in your head without making any commitment.
“Rockstar”
Anyone who’s ever had a job knows that when your boss calls you a “rock star”, a “godshow” or any other similar exaggerated compliment, you can be pretty sure of two things: first, you just did everything possible in your work. work, and secondly, that compliment is whatever you get as compensation for the extra effort. Using these words in a job description is similar to how venomous animals in the natural world use bright colors: it’s a warning sign. This usually indicates that the job will be underpaid and overworked.
“Flexible work schedule”
The red flag status of this phrase depends on how it is used. If the job description doesn’t have any other red flags and the phrase seems to indicate that you can choose your own work schedule within certain parameters, that’s obviously fine. However, if there are other problematic phrases in this description, ask yourself whether your employer’s “flexible” means they are flexible with your schedule, or if they expect you to be flexible with things like working until midnight or visiting regularly Sundays.