Red Flags - Part 2: From the Applicant's Point of View

Just as there are things that employers will regard as red flags in applicants, there are things that applicants should look out for during the job search. Here are some common ones: 

-          A job description that is very brief and vague may mean that the employer is not clear on what they are looking for with this position. How will they be evaluating applicants? And how will applicants know if this is a job they are well-suited for; how will they present themselves as a strong candidate for the job? Also, in a situation like this, any duties that no one else wants to do may get thrown in after you’ve started, as “other duties as assigned”.

-          Conversely, a job description that is too lengthy and includes duties that would not normally go together or don’t make sense with regard to the title is a concern – the employer may be trying to combine multiple jobs into one position. This may be a “unicorn” job description, that is, a person with all the requirements of this job doesn’t exist. Be on the lookout for lengthy, demanding descriptions with too many and/or catch-all requirements, and that may have a salary that does not match the many skills required, or no salary info at all. (Note: in NYC, job postings must include salary info.)

-          They get weird when you ask reasonable questions. If you are asking how performance is rewarded, or how the employer ensures a healthy work-life balance for their employees (or some other appropriate question), and the response is defensive or evasive, that is cause for concern.

-          Disrespectful, confrontational, or even hostile behavior, towards you or others. This is one of the reddest of red flags. Everyone is expected to be on their best behavior during the hiring process. If you experience or witness disrespect or mistreatment, think very carefully about whether you want to work for that employer.

-          Evidence of disorganization. An employer that reschedules repeatedly, or expects you to be available for an interview on very short notice, or suddenly ghosts you, is demonstrating disrespect for your time; behavior at that workplace may be unprofessional and chaotic in other ways too.

-          The interviewer asks inappropriate questions. Employers should not make hiring decisions based on certain things, including age, marital status, and religion, due to laws that protect specific classes of people from hiring discrimination.

-          Any variation of a bait and switch, re: duties, title, salary, perks, benefits, ability to work from home, etc. This is something you may not experience until you are further along in the hiring process, that is: once you receive the job offer. You should get all the details of the offer in writing and review it carefully, before accepting the position and leaving your present job if you are currently employed.

-          A recruiter tells you that you have to pay to apply. Remember that recruiters are paid by employers, not by applicants.

-          Pressure to make a decision re: an offer immediately or in a very short period of time (aka “exploding” job offers). You should always ask for at least a couple of days to consider a job offer; if the employer pressures you to say “yes” right away, and/or leave your current job with no notice, something is not right.

Remember that you are evaluating the employers during the hiring process, as they are evaluating you. If you feel that something is off, or “too good to be true”, proceed with caution and get more information before accepting an offer.

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Did you know that you can submit your resume and/or cover letter via email, for review by one of our librarians? Send your documents to resumehelp@bklynlibrary.org. Please note: this is an advisory service; staff do not write or re-write resumes or cover letters or other documents for patrons.