How to Identify a Bad Job Before You Apply

It takes a lot of time and effort to put together a professional job application package. It would be a shame to let it all go to waste over a position that was a train wreck to begin with. Learn to identify some of the warning signs that this one might not be all it's cracked up to be.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Ask people in the industry about this employer. You have contacts and they talk. They may not come right out and say "Stop!" but if they "hem and haw," take heed.

2. Research this employer's job postings. If the firm is trying to hire a number of people but they're not growing the company, something may have gone terribly wrong recently.

3. Learn what you can about turnover in this position. If 3 people have held the job in the past 2 years, it may not be the golden goose the job announcement implies.

4. Locate the workplace on a map. Is it in town? Is it near transportation? How long is the commute? Is it in a safe neighborhood?

5. Visit the employer's website. Click on "About Us," and read their mission statement. Confirm that they are a company you will be comfortable with. Evaluate the website. Is it professional? Is it welcoming to customers? Read all the information posted by the Human Resources.
   department.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes, a job that looks like a "bow-wow" will surprise you, but not often.