Looking for a job in 2025? Here are 10 red flags to watch out for, before applying for the job, and after you score the interview.
With Amazon, Microsoft, Visa, Estee Lauder, Tesla and so many other companies slashing its workforce, there’s no doubt that many of you have already started looking for a job.
In fact, some of you might be on a job right now looking for a career change. I’ve worked in all types of roles and I can tell you the 10 red flags you need to keep an eye out for.
If you’re one of the many people who scans job postings and immediately goes to the salary and benefits section without giving a second thought to the job description or actually investigating the company itself, you need to slow down.
Many of you are either missing or ignoring some serious red flags that let you know up front that you need to look somewhere else.
I’m going to be counting down the things you need to watch out for, and believe me, you’re going to keep reading to learn what #1 is. It’s something many of you don’t even think about.
#10 – The Company Doesn’t Have A Lot Of Information Online
Do a quick Google search for the company. What are you finding? Most companies should have some sort of online presence be it a website, social media accounts, articles from trade magazines, something.
If you’re scouring the internet and can’t find anything on the company, that could be a red flag.
The company could be a startup company just trying to find its footing, or it might be a really crappy company that’s trying to keep a low profile.
Either way, you want to know as much as you can about the company you’re applying to, and it shouldn’t have to come during the interview stage.
#9 – The Job Doesn’t Post A Salary Range
The job posting doesn’t give a salary range. Some people have no issue with this, but I do. If you’re trying to attract top talent, why waste their time dragging them into the interview stage only for them to learn then, that what you’re offering is significantly south of their asking price.
In the US, there are several states that have passed pay transparency legislation, requiring employers to disclose pay ranges for positions.
Also, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner HR, 68% of candidates said they expect to see salary information in job postings and 64% of candidates say they are more likely to apply to a job that lists compensation in the description.
In addition to that, 44% of candidates say they decided not to apply to a job in a 12-month period because the job description didn’t include salary information.
#8 – The Job Description Is Never Ending
That long list of duties tells me three things. One, your company is under resourced, so I’m going to be wearing multiple hats; two, you don’t have a focus for the role, you’re just throwing anything my way, and three, I’m going to be burned out in two weeks.
All in all, there seems to be no limit in the scope of work, so in my opinion, there needs to be no limit in the scope of compensation.
#7: You’re Finding Recurring Problems On GlassDoor
For those unfamiliar with Glassdoor, it’s a website that allows job seekers to read reviews on a potential employer. Current or former employees anonymously share their experiences about their time at a company. You’ll learn about problems, the pros and cons of the job and how management functioned.
If you see recurring themes from the employees, be careful. Keep in mind that some employees might have an axe to grind, but it’s unlikely that 50 employees could have an axe to grind.
#6: You Keep Seeing the Same Job Post Month after Month
If you see a job post in January and then you see that same post again in April, and then again in June, that’s a serious red flag. It’s highly unlikely in this job climate where people are clamouring for opportunities that no one is applying unless there is something wrong with the company.
For example, the company may be making promises in the ad, like for example, employee benefits, but when applicants get to the job stage, they realise that it’s not what was advertised.
Also, it could signal an employee retention problem. Someone gets into the role, and they leave weeks later, so the company posts the ad again. Be very careful here.
#5: Around Here, We’re All family
If you hear that, run.
This is not your family. If you mess up, you’re gone. You don’t meet your sales goals, you’re gone. If you call out too much because you’re sick or tending to a sick child or parent, guess what? You’re gone.
You are only considered family to the extent you can be used. Oftentimes this is a manipulative tactic to get the employee to give way more than they should. As family, expect to make huge sacrifices in this role – like earning below market pay and having your boss encroach on your personal time.
Number 4: Too Many Captains, Not Enough Crew
When you’re looking for a job, ask who will be working on your team. If you are the team, that could be a red flag. You will be run ragged trying to accomplish the work of several people without the paycheck of multiple people.
Even if you’re working for a small business, you shouldn’t be expected to process payroll, do social media marketing, answer the phones and be a personal assistant. It’s too much. You’re going to burn out very quickly.
Even worse, you’re answering to all of those captains, taking commands from multiple people and if they’re at odds, you could be caught in the middle.
#3: The Past Six Months Have Been A Revolving Door
During the interview stage, few people ask why a position is vacant. When you go into the interview, ask why there’s an opening and try to glean why the person who occupied the role left. Were they there for years or for a short time.
If it’s the latter, that could potentially be a red flag. It says that the person saw or experienced something that led them to quit quickly. Now, many of you tuned in know just how hard it is to land a job these days. So, for someone to quit so soon could point to some problems.
#2: When Looking For A Job, Read The Room
When you walk into the boardroom or the conference room or the employers office, take a look at the other workers. Do they look happy? Engaged? Do they greet you? Or do you see side eyes, low chuckles, or someone making the sign of the cross.
You’re greatest clue to the work environment is those employees.
Also, ask your potential employer about work culture and see how he or she responds. If the interviewer is reluctant to answer any questions you may have about the company during the interviewing process, it’s a red flag. And a major one at that. You’re setting yourself up for heartache.
#1 The Company Doesn’t Research You
How many of you have applied for a job and the potential employer doesn’t do any background checks on you. They take your word for it that you have the degrees you say you have, that you have the experience you say you have, they don’t ask for references, they know nothing about you and yet, they give you a start date.
It’s a major red flag that they don’t value their business that they could let a complete stranger in their ranks without being properly vetted. It also signals that they just want a warm body in there doing the work.
Without properly investigating you, the employer will never fully trust you, which means that if something were to happen in the business – let’s say some money or equipment went missing, they are naturally going to question if you’re at fault. Because they don’t know you.
If you’re looking for a job and wanting to know the red flags to look out for, I hope this blog post helped you.
Please go into the comments section and let me know what you all think about these red flags. What other red flags of your own do you have. Also let us know how the job search has been for you.
