Today, I'm going to veer off topic to share with you how I decode a Craigslist job ad. I'm sure there are still handfuls of people out there looking for employment and Craigslist is a great (free) resource. Several employers and companies utilize Craigslist in search of talented employees BUT just as there are many legitimate postings, you have to sort through several horrible, illegitimate postings. So I am dedicating this post to dissect several Craigslist job postings and present you with my take on what I think is legit posting and what is not.
Some useful tips:
When you see this: Competitive salary to commensurate with experience or this: Please include salary requirements it means that this job will most likely pay squat (probably low $30's or high $20's), supposedly that is competitive but I wonder where.
Further, I find the requirement to list your desired salary a patronizing trick. Employers already have a number in their minds (trust me it's miniscule and your worth more than it) and it just seems the person willing to whore themselves out for the least amount has preference above the rest. I would avoid these ads if possible. I prefer a potential employer who is upfront in their ad and states the least amount they are willing to pay for your services.
The Legit Ad:
This ad ranks 10 out of 10on my ratings. 1) The ad states the company by name and gives a website address so that potential applicants can visit the site and see what goes on. Many times the company name is barely mentioned and if it is mentioned then nothing else about the company is stated. I want to know what is the name of the company, what do y'all do there and maybe (if it doesn't kill you) give a sense of what the corporate culture is like.
2) The requirements and tasks are listed but only in brief detail. Look, I know you really want to be upfront and make sure potential applicants are fully aware of what they are supposed to do at work each and everyday, I don't think it's necessary to list each and every detail of each and every task. But if you are going to do that, then you should put equal to weight in listing what benefits (if any) your wonderful company offers. The above ad lists several requirements and would you look at this! They offer descent benefits including medical AND dental insurance (sweet) and contributions to 401K. I would apply here if I were you.
The Sketchy Ad:
First of all there is no mention of the company listed anywhere in the ad. Secondly, since the annonymous Craigslist email address has been removed, the only way to contact these folks is through a suspicious application link. The application link is a glaring red flag that this is probably not a legitimate company posting. Even though making $14-$15 an hour may seem lucrative to you, clicking on a questionable link is akin to getting into a car with a strange man- Don't Do It! Move on to the next ad.
The "Job Recruiter Pretending to be a Legitimate Company" Ad:
This ad clearly displays the markings of a Recruiter ad. Recruiter ads are like snakes hiding in a shrub, waiting for an unsuspecting mongoose to walk by it's path so it can ambush it. These ads try to trick the potential applicant into believing that she is applying directly to a company, someone who has a job waiting for them- not some chop shop employment agency filled with greedy bastards, who only care about their bottom lines. I have never had anything good come out of working with a recruiter. Maybe you have but most likely, you haven't especially if you actually care about where you work. If you ever come across an ad like this in the future, do yourself a favor and ignore it.
The "I Amend My Posting Everyday"Ad:
This poster had originally posted an ad looking for an administrative assistant. Fast forward to a couple of days later and they replaced their ad with this:
Well isn't that annoying! So let me get this straight: the fat cats want you poor schmucks who have no jobs, no money, scant amounts of dignity left, to send in complete, polished resumes and cover letters, meanwhile they haven't figure out what specifics qualifications are being sought? Here, let me do you a favor and write it for you: Wanted Someone who is bright, trust-worthy, organized and can get their shit together before posting an ad so that hundreds of people who may or may not be qualified for the position can waste their time and apply. Good luck, assholes.
I hope my tips will be useful to you the next time you peruse Craigslist in search of a job. I'm certainly no expert but I have been through the job search many times and I know the feeling of disappointment when you realize an ad you responded to was actually placed by a scummy recruiter or worse, a spammer. Please learn from my mistakes and if you run across a job posting with some of the questionable use of words, lack of company information or suspicious application links, do not respond. We may be unemployed but we still have our dignity!
Good luck to all the jobless ones out there.
Some useful tips:
When you see this: Competitive salary to commensurate with experience or this: Please include salary requirements it means that this job will most likely pay squat (probably low $30's or high $20's), supposedly that is competitive but I wonder where.
Further, I find the requirement to list your desired salary a patronizing trick. Employers already have a number in their minds (trust me it's miniscule and your worth more than it) and it just seems the person willing to whore themselves out for the least amount has preference above the rest. I would avoid these ads if possible. I prefer a potential employer who is upfront in their ad and states the least amount they are willing to pay for your services.
The Legit Ad:
Are you an experienced, business savvy Manager with strong accounting skills? Would you like to be part of a growing, entrepreneurial consulting firm that is committed to excellence? We are (Business name removed), Inc and are looking for the next member to join our dynamic team! If you have tons of energy and a creative, entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the ability to work independently, we would like to hear from you!
The (Business name removed) Difference
We integrate our diverse capabilities to deliver a greater value to our client. We engage our clients and work with them to co-create solutions and then assist with the implementation. We do this is in an open and non-hierarchical culture. Our spirit is entrepreneurial and results-driven.
Visit us at www.(Business name removed).com to learn more.
The Position: Office Manager
• Office Manager • Coordinate facilities management including office equipment, supplies and workflow • Fulfill statutory reporting as required • Maintain onsite HR records including; benefits, vacation, sick, personal time • Interface with vendors to ensure smooth workplace operations. • Other duties requested by management
The Requirements:
• 5-7 years administrative/ office management experience
• Naturally curious with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• High degree of initiative and personal accountability
• Self starter and able to work independently
The Reward
(Business name removed) is conveniently located in [blank city] and offers the selected candidate an amazing work environment in which to grow, outstanding compensation plan, Platinum level benefits including 100% paid Medical and Dental insurance and generous company matching 401k.
The (Business name removed) Difference
We integrate our diverse capabilities to deliver a greater value to our client. We engage our clients and work with them to co-create solutions and then assist with the implementation. We do this is in an open and non-hierarchical culture. Our spirit is entrepreneurial and results-driven.
Visit us at www.(Business name removed).com to learn more.
The Position: Office Manager
• Office Manager • Coordinate facilities management including office equipment, supplies and workflow • Fulfill statutory reporting as required • Maintain onsite HR records including; benefits, vacation, sick, personal time • Interface with vendors to ensure smooth workplace operations. • Other duties requested by management
The Requirements:
• 5-7 years administrative/ office management experience
• Naturally curious with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• High degree of initiative and personal accountability
• Self starter and able to work independently
The Reward
(Business name removed) is conveniently located in [blank city] and offers the selected candidate an amazing work environment in which to grow, outstanding compensation plan, Platinum level benefits including 100% paid Medical and Dental insurance and generous company matching 401k.
This ad ranks 10 out of 10on my ratings. 1) The ad states the company by name and gives a website address so that potential applicants can visit the site and see what goes on. Many times the company name is barely mentioned and if it is mentioned then nothing else about the company is stated. I want to know what is the name of the company, what do y'all do there and maybe (if it doesn't kill you) give a sense of what the corporate culture is like.
2) The requirements and tasks are listed but only in brief detail. Look, I know you really want to be upfront and make sure potential applicants are fully aware of what they are supposed to do at work each and everyday, I don't think it's necessary to list each and every detail of each and every task. But if you are going to do that, then you should put equal to weight in listing what benefits (if any) your wonderful company offers. The above ad lists several requirements and would you look at this! They offer descent benefits including medical AND dental insurance (sweet) and contributions to 401K. I would apply here if I were you.
The Sketchy Ad:
Seeking an Administrative Assistant to start immediately. This person will need to have good computer skills, a high level of energy, the ability to file paperwork and a pleasant demeanor.
Pay will start at $14.00 - $15.00 per hour and will include time off and benefits.
To apply, please go to our application: Application Link
Pay will start at $14.00 - $15.00 per hour and will include time off and benefits.
To apply, please go to our application: Application Link
First of all there is no mention of the company listed anywhere in the ad. Secondly, since the annonymous Craigslist email address has been removed, the only way to contact these folks is through a suspicious application link. The application link is a glaring red flag that this is probably not a legitimate company posting. Even though making $14-$15 an hour may seem lucrative to you, clicking on a questionable link is akin to getting into a car with a strange man- Don't Do It! Move on to the next ad.
The "Job Recruiter Pretending to be a Legitimate Company" Ad:
We are looking for a mature, trustworthy, and upbeat person to prioritize and execute a diverse workload. Schedule meetings, conferences, and appointments.
~Must have Excellent Administrative experience
~Must be skilled in MS Office
~Must present self in a professional manner
~Must be detail oriented and able to multi-task
~Must be able to work hard and get the job done.
~Must have Excellent Administrative experience
~Must be skilled in MS Office
~Must present self in a professional manner
~Must be detail oriented and able to multi-task
~Must be able to work hard and get the job done.
This ad clearly displays the markings of a Recruiter ad. Recruiter ads are like snakes hiding in a shrub, waiting for an unsuspecting mongoose to walk by it's path so it can ambush it. These ads try to trick the potential applicant into believing that she is applying directly to a company, someone who has a job waiting for them- not some chop shop employment agency filled with greedy bastards, who only care about their bottom lines. I have never had anything good come out of working with a recruiter. Maybe you have but most likely, you haven't especially if you actually care about where you work. If you ever come across an ad like this in the future, do yourself a favor and ignore it.
The "I Amend My Posting Everyday"Ad:
This poster had originally posted an ad looking for an administrative assistant. Fast forward to a couple of days later and they replaced their ad with this:
ON HOLD - Please check back shortly. Still sifting through resumes. Will repost soon with specific qualifications being sought. Thank you
Well isn't that annoying! So let me get this straight: the fat cats want you poor schmucks who have no jobs, no money, scant amounts of dignity left, to send in complete, polished resumes and cover letters, meanwhile they haven't figure out what specifics qualifications are being sought? Here, let me do you a favor and write it for you: Wanted Someone who is bright, trust-worthy, organized and can get their shit together before posting an ad so that hundreds of people who may or may not be qualified for the position can waste their time and apply. Good luck, assholes.
I hope my tips will be useful to you the next time you peruse Craigslist in search of a job. I'm certainly no expert but I have been through the job search many times and I know the feeling of disappointment when you realize an ad you responded to was actually placed by a scummy recruiter or worse, a spammer. Please learn from my mistakes and if you run across a job posting with some of the questionable use of words, lack of company information or suspicious application links, do not respond. We may be unemployed but we still have our dignity!
Good luck to all the jobless ones out there.
