How to read between the lines of a job posting ad | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep59

This week’s episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast focuses on helping students, recent graduates, and others who are early in their careers navigate the murky waters of job descriptions, because let’s face it, sometimes they’re trying to hide more than they reveal. Our cohosts walk you through how to develop your bullsh*t radar, so you can stop swiping right on the wrong job and instead find a role that truly aligns with what you’re looking for.

We’ll start by decoding those all-too-common buzzwords that companies love to sprinkle throughout their job postings. When you see “fast-paced environment,” prepare yourself for the reality: it often means tight deadlines, constant changes, and a whole lot of multitasking, potentially signaling a chaotic and disorganized workplace where you’re expected to juggle numerous tasks without getting overwhelmed. Some even suggest it means a higher-than-average turnover rate, minimal red tape, poorly-defined requirements, and an expectation of long hours to deal with all the chaos. It could also mean the company leaders can’t maintain priorities, leading to whiplash and fire-fighting, or that there’s simply little to no documentation or unit testing. Or, it might just be generic language used to make the job sound exciting and agile, rather than a slow, bureaucratic corporate machine.

Next up, the “self-starter” – this gem implies you’ll be taking initiative and acting without much direction, often meaning there’s little to no guidance from higher-ups, leaving you largely on your own to get things done. It could be a red flag that you won’t receive the support or resources necessary for the job. Similarly, a “dynamic team player” might sound great, but it could hint at high turnover and a lack of cohesion among employees, with an expectation that you’ll take on multiple roles and responsibilities without extra pay. And if they’re looking for “innovative thinking,” it could mean they want you to do all the creative heavy lifting without any input from them, or even that they actually want someone who can stick within their existing ideas. Phrases like “results-oriented” or “results-driven” often point to employers with unrealistic expectations regarding deadlines and outcomes, placing excessive emphasis on measurable achievements. When a job description emphasizes “attention to detail,” it might be a subtle warning of tedious paperwork or an overly strict office culture where even the smallest mistakes are heavily punished, perhaps even suggesting a micromanaging employer. And “excellent communication skills”? That could mean the company has very specific and rigid communication expectations, requiring employees to conform to particular ways of speaking or using certain phrases.

Beyond these popular buzzwords, keep an eye out for other red flags. “We work hard, we play hard” often translates to a demanding work environment where you’re pushed to your limits, with occasional token perks like a happy hour or ping-pong table to mask the grind. If they claim to be “like a family,” be wary – this can signal an abusive work dynamic where boundaries are nonexistent. And for those sales roles touting “OTE/On Target Earnings” or “uncapped commission,” be realistic; these figures are often inflated and rarely achieved by the majority of employees. A “competitive salary” is frequently code for below-average pay, revealed only after you’ve invested significant time in the application process. And while “unlimited PTO” sounds fantastic, it can often be a way to guilt employees into taking very little time off, or it might not be compensated if unused. Always investigate if employees actually use it. Lastly, the ubiquitous “other duties as assigned” is often included to give management flexibility to hand you tasks outside your expertise or to cover their bases if job descriptions change. If a company is “always hiring,” it could be a sign of high turnover rather than growth, so proceed with caution.

Now, for the helpful part – how to research companies and unmask these job postings before you commit. Start by scrutinizing the company’s own website, particularly the “About Us” and “Careers” sections, looking for insights into their mission, values, and the daily experiences of current employees. Pay close attention to videos, interviews, or recent news that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the company culture. Then, head to social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram to observe their tone and content, as this can provide valuable clues about the company’s personality and culture. Glassdoor is your best friend here, offering unfiltered reviews from current and former employees that can expose the true workplace environment and highlight consistent red flags like bad management or frequent restructuring.

The most powerful tool in your arsenal is to speak to current employees. Leverage your network, attend careers fairs, or reach out to alumni who work at the organization. Ask them about their experiences, the company’s strengths, and any challenges they’ve faced. Don’t be afraid to drill down with specific questions during interviews to get beyond the generic descriptions. For instance, if “fast-paced” is mentioned, ask about actual working conditions: “When was the last time the team had to work weekends?” or “How many people are online and working after hours?”. Inquire about work-life balance and how much time people typically take off. Ask about performance metrics, growth opportunities, and professional support programs – these details shouldn’t be shrouded in mystery. If a job description is vague about work-life balance or benefits, it’s worth researching the company further through their website, social media, or employee reviews. Also, pay meticulous attention to the fine print in job listings, including application instructions, as this can offer insights into how the company operates and shows your thoroughness. By taking these proactive steps and asking the right questions, you’ll be much better equipped to determine if a job is truly the right fit, sparing yourself from unwelcome surprises and frustrating mismatches.