Hidden Meanings Behind Job Descriptions
Warning: These Are All Red Flags
Given the almost universal desire to put an uplifting spin on the drawbacks of vacant positions to entice candidates, recruiter’s job postings can end up being a little rosy and, shall we say, misleading as to the true nature of roles.
After more than a decade in public relations massaging corporate announcements, product marketing and crisis responses, I’ve learned all the tricks to manipulate perceptions. So, I wanted to take you through a few of the common job posting phrases that should give you pause. I’ve also added some advice about how to dig a little deeper to suss out the truth behind the ambiguous descriptions.
Job Descriptions
“We’re looking for managers not afraid to roll up their sleeves.”
Translation: Even though this job says you’ll be leading a team, they’re likely all too busy or too junior to give you support with your needs.
Advice: Expect more hands-on execution than the role would otherwise imply. Don’t be surprised if the team is already tapped out.
“Do you work well with all kinds of personalities?”
Translation: People skills are a plus anywhere you go, but, in this case, you may be working with some extremely difficult and possibly combative employees.
Advice: This is a potential deal breaker. Be careful and ask some detailed follow up questions about the range of people you can expect. Before accepting a role, be sure to schedule time to meet with everyone from your direct team.
“Our employees thrive on high-pressure, can juggle multiple projects and can prioritize on the fly to meet tight deadlines.”
Translation: Everyone is expected to do more with less today, but this is a triple threat. The recruiter is acknowledging the role A. is extremely stressful, B. has conflicting demands likely from competing teams or managers and C. has additional pressure, and it’s up to you to get it all done on time.
Advice: Ask questions about your direct reports and if you get to dictate their focus areas. Ask if staff from other teams can flex to offer support during periods of high volume. When you speak with your potential boss, try to determine if s/he would give you air cover.
“The candidate can shape client strategy and guide decision making.”
Translation: You could have clients who don’t know what they want, and it’s up to you to close them on a strategy and make it successful.
Advice: If you have strong experience delivering strategic recommendations and are good at building consensus, this could be a great opportunity to take control. On the other hand, if you’re a perfectionist or could be hesitant to pull the trigger, this role might not be for you. Indecisive clients need a firm hand to guide the way, or they could spin in circles on strategy
“We value employees with an entrepreneurial spirit.”
Translation: I’m not going to say that this doesn’t mean sweatshop because…that’s what it actually meant every time I took a job with that description.
Advice: Creativity, problem solving and thinking on your feet are likely keys to success — that and quite a bit of elbow grease. If you’re passionate about the company and the people, maybe that’s enough for you. Just ask plenty of questions on the front end. Possibly consider shadowing one of your future colleagues for an entire day to get a feel for the role.
“We have flexible work hours.”
Translation: This could go one of two vastly different ways. Either your boss is going to have no problem with you working remotely, or weekends and holidays might become a thing of your past.
Advice: Be sure to follow up and determine which version of the truth is more accurate. Press for concrete examples.
“We’re looking for self-starters; you’re comfortable with autonomy.”
Translation: You’re likely going to have to figure out the role on your own. While training might be promised, it’s not likely a priority. You might fall right into the frying pan without a boss to bail you out.
Advice: If you’re quick on your feet and learn quickly, this might not be a problem. If you want clear direction and can’t move forward without guidance and approval, it’s probably best to keep looking.
“Work hard, play hard kind of atmosphere.”
Translation: Hard is the operative word. Emphasis on both uses. This could mean long hours and raucous quarterly open bars where employees are allowed run wild.
Advice: Try to gauge whether or not the office gives off a frat boy feel. There’s a distinct difference between a relaxed, casual atmosphere and one without rules or professionalism. Talking to a few potential peers can help you see the forest for the trees.
Additional Sources
Glassdoor and industry forums can offer some useful information — though they can be deceiving. If you really want to do next-level sleuthing, I’d recommend seeking out some current or former employees. Go on LinkedIn and see if any of your connections know existing employees and could arrange an introduction. If you have former clients who have worked with them, that’s another option to help round out your fact finding.
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