Job hunting is an exhausting process. There are hundreds of applicants per position and communication is often done online, if at all. On top of that, it is becoming more difficult for job seekers to distinguish real job postings that will translate to interviews and an offer.

What red flags should you be looking for in a job posting?

Too Good to be True

If the job is too good to be true – it probably is.  Look for red flags like high salary that doesn’t match the experience level or industry. Be wary of jobs that promise immediate onboarding or don’t require a formal interview.

Does the Job Make Sense?

Does the job posting make sense for the company, the market, and the industry? Take a moment to research how the company is doing. Are there layoffs? Growth? Restructuring?

Asking for Personal Information

You are already sharing your name, email address, and phone number.  Listings that require other personal information like a social security number or banking details should raise immediate red flags.

Verified Company

Does the job posting come from a verified company? Several third party job-posting websites provide a means for companies to verify their status as a legitimate company, including LinkedIn’s gray check mark badge that denotes and official organization page.

Options to Communicate

If you are not applying directly on a company’s website, the third-party listing should include a web address, an email address with an appropriate domain, or a listed recruiter for the position.

Compare The Company Website and the Job Posting Sites

Can you find the job on the company’s official website? While some companies may not post every open job, it is likely that you will see the listing doubled up on their site as well as a job board.

Where Does the Apply Button Take You?

Some companies spend a lot of money posting jobs to job boards. Look for verified badges, EasyApply Buttons, and legitimate website redirects.

User Reputable Posting Sites

If you can find the job through a Google Jobs search, you can likely also find that same job on a reputable job board.

Follow your instincts, be skeptical, and prioritize your safety. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  Use the information that you do have to make an informed decision about whether to move forward in the application process.