Job Posting Red Flags: How to Spot a Toxic Culture From a Job Ad

Asking yourself, "Do I want to work here?" is an essential step in the job search process, and it should happen before you apply or interview with the company you’re interested in. If you see red flags when you look at a job ad, your answer should be no. Keep reading to find some significant job posting red flags (as well as some green ones!) to watch out for when looking through job ads and considering whether or not to apply.

Potential Red Flags

It can be challenging to spot signs of toxic work culture, especially if you're newly back on the job market. When scanning job descriptions, it's essential to know what the red flags are and why they could indicate that the culture might not be safe or inclusive.

Job Ad Says, "Exciting Startup Environment"

It's no secret that startup culture can be exciting and full of energy and creativity. But startups often offer lower wages than larger companies, as they are working with limited resources and often operate on shoestring budgets. Startups often operate in chaotic environments as they constantly adapt to new challenges and take risks to innovate. You'll likely be doing all sorts of tasks with little to no opportunity to grow or learn the different areas of the business. Working there likely won't make you feel fulfilled because your talents will be wasted and underappreciated.

No Salary Listed

Salary is a big deal. Knowing how much you’ll earn will allow you to gauge whether or not you can make ends meet. Though it may not be directly tied to workplace culture, it can still have an effect. Underpaid and overworked employees are usually the catalyst of a toxic work culture. When people feel like they are being taken advantage of by their employer, they can start to take it out on each other.

Job Ad Says, "Sense of Humor Is a Plus"

If a job description indicates you need a “sense of humor,” it could mean there’s a pattern of sexual harassment or bullying. A perfect example of a toxic work environment is when lewd jokes and bullying are masked as humor. Even though people will laugh when on the receiving end of these jokes, they are often hurt by them. Employers and coworkers who feed on this emotionally draining energy may use it to create a false sense of importance by bringing you down to lift themselves up. 

Job Ad Has Vague Schedule Requirements

Knowing your schedule is incredibly important for maintaining a healthy work/life balance. If the job posting is vague on what your hours will be or when you’re expected to work, it could indicate that the employer blurs the boundaries between work and personal time. Even seeing odd, but concrete hours can be better than not seeing a schedule at all – at least you’ll know ahead of time if that schedule is acceptable for you. Look for any mention of paid time off, too. When the job ad omits or tries to hide PTO allowances, it can spell trouble for any vacation and sick days you might need. If you do see vague time requirements like “Schedule TBD” or unclear PTO allowances, but the job still looks interesting, you should ask during the first rounds of interviewing that your hours be clarified.

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Potential Green Flags

If you spend 40 hours or more per week at your job, it must have the potential to make you happy in the long term. After all, your time at work will likely affect your overall well-being, so you don’t want to be stuck in an environment that makes you miserable. Whether it’s job satisfaction or potential promotions, here are some potential green flags in a job description to help you decide whether the position would be a good fit.

The Company Offers a Competitive Salary and Benefits

As we alluded to above, salary affects the company culture where you work. If the company takes the time to write a detailed breakdown of salary and benefits, that’s a good sign. A company that openly shares what it is willing to pay you and precisely what benefits it plans to offer shows it cares about you being able to pay your bills and take care of your family. When employees feel valued by their company, they will have a better overall sense of well-being while at work, causing them to work together more synergistically.

The Company's Values Align With Your Personal Values

A company's values should be one of the first things you look for when opening a job description. A company that puts its values at the forefront can help you decide if a job is seriously worth considering. If those values align with your personal values, it may be a sign that the company is an excellent fit for you.

Finding the right job can be challenging — but finding the wrong one could have lasting consequences. Use this guide as a shortlist of job posting red flags to watch out for so you know how to spot a toxic work environment in the future. If any of them ring true, make sure you're not jumping into something that will harm your career and mental health.

For more job search tips, check out our Job Seeker Resource Center.