Guides
How to read a job posting
Most job postings tell you what the company wants and skip what you get. Here is what the common phrases usually mean, and what to look for instead.
A typical job posting is written from the company's side. It lists what they need from you in detail and says very little about what you get in return. Reading one well means noticing what is there and what is missing.
What the common phrases usually mean
- "Fast-paced environment." Expect a heavy workload and shifting priorities.
- "Wear many hats." The role is not well defined yet, or the team is understaffed.
- "Competitive salary." No number is listed. Ask for one.
- "We're a family." Boundaries between work and personal time may be loose.
- "Growth mindset." You will be expected to keep learning on your own time.
- "Self-starter." Onboarding and management support may be light.
None of these are automatically bad. They are just signals about what the job will feel like, and they are worth reading as such.
What to look for instead
A posting that respects your time will tell you, up front:
- A pay range
- The core benefits, in plain terms
- Whether the role is remote, hybrid or in person, and the expected hours
- What the team actually does day to day
- Who you would report to
If a posting has none of those, that is information too.
A quick test
Count the sentences about what the company wants. Then count the sentences about what you get. If the first number is much larger than the second, plan to ask a lot of questions in the first interview.