- Job descriptions can reveal clues about a company’s workplace culture
- Other red flags to look out for include referring to colleagues as ‘family’
There are many reasons why we look for a new job: more money, better working conditions or career progression are some of the most common.
And while you might be drawn to certain roles because you’ve always wanted to work for a specific company or the job description looks interesting, it’s important to read between the lines and fully understand what a job description means.
From salary lingo that has been designed to confuse you, to the tell-tale signs of toxic culture, below we’re highlighting some of the biggest red flags to look out for in job descriptions.
If a job listing doesn’t stipulate any workplace benefits, it probably means you won’t be entitled to any
Salary DOE
When a company advertises a position, it’s usually because they’re replacing someone. And if they’re replacing someone, they’ll have a budget allocated for that role. That said, if it’s a newly created role, they’ll also have a pre-approved budget allocated for that role.
So, if you see a job description that stipulates ‘Salary DOE’ (dependent on experience) know that your prospective new employer probably wants to save a few quid and negotiate your new salary based on what you currently earn, rather than what they can afford to pay you.
No benefits
UK employees are thankfully entitled to 28 days annual leave per year and new mothers can take up to 52 weeks maternity leave (and paid up to 39 weeks on a reduced rate). Most employers offer additional workplace benefits including subsidised health insurance, fully paid maternity leave and a defined or matched pension contribution.
If a job listing doesn’t stipulate any workplace benefits, it probably means you won’t be entitled to any. And while you might think healthcare or a pension don’t really matter if you’re being paid well, you could be losing out on as much as 3 per cent of your pre-tax salary.
Be wary of any job description that mentions a ‘fast-paced environment’ as this usually equates to a rapid pace of work stretched resources and meeting tight deadlines
Fast-paced environment
While a dynamic workplace that values efficiency and growth is always a plus, be wary of any job description that mentions a ‘fast-paced environment’ as this usually equates to a rapid pace of work, stretched resources, juggling multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines.
And if you can’t fit all of that into your 9-5, it will most likely result in you working overtime in the evenings and at weekends without any additional remuneration.
Any mention of ‘family’
Move over Sister Sledge, colleagues are not your ‘family’ and any job description that refers to its staff as such should be avoided at all costs. Teamwork and collaboration are hugely important in the workplace but positioning co-workers as ‘family’ is not only unprofessional, it sets unrealistic expectations and makes it difficult for employees to set boundaries.
Ready to put your job description know-how to the test? Head to the Mail Jobs Board where you’ll find thousands of jobs in companies actively hiring, including the three below.