In today’s blog, I will talk about deceptive job descriptions that some of my candidates have come across after looking for a job.
The Horror of Job Description
One of my loyal candidates came to me with several panic calls. I got worried, asked him what brought him to me so quickly. Because only 18 months back I revamped his resume and was offered in an MNC with elevated job role.
He was carrying 20 years of rich & prolific career journey where he commanded in the areas of Transactional finance. Previous organizations oozed out oodles of job satisfaction and recognition in true sense, but he sacrificed all those love and affection from the company. And just to rise above in his career ladder as he was aspired to excel in the domain of strategic financial leadership roles like Financial Planning and Analysis, Corporate Strategy, Risk Management, M&A deals, Debt restructuring, Business valuation, Funding Capital markets-equity, Digital Transformation and Innovation as his dream role.
How It Started?
He got an offer of Finance Director and CFO also board member role. It was a global brand, India representation, reporting to Asian and Global leadership teams, needless to mention about perks, remunerations etc. and the previous designation was of Finance Controller of a division.
Contrary to his current designation, he was offered roles like clearing the dirt & mess in the company systems, procedures and business process controls, Data reconciliation, all the basic transactional things. When he enquired to the top management the standard answer was: need of the hour is setting the system in place. Which he had been doing for the last 10 years, he’s not liking it. It’s just not his kind of job, it’s not CFO’s job at all, absolutely misfit.
Actually, his events of disaster started as he pressed the “Apply” button for the most attractive looking job vacancy out of zillions of jobs advertised.
The Next Phase After Getting Selected
His CV got shortlisted and going through rounds of interview was like a breeze. He even thought that luck was in his side. And yes, it was. He got garlanded welcome while joining as if much awaited kind of candidate has been discovered. A feeling of “joie de vivre”, but never knew that this happiness would be short-lived. Instead he felt like from frying pan to fire with the onset of honeymoon period.
As he was being soaked into company culture, gradually reality was coming into appearance in full throttle. And this was bit horrendous too.
Looking back at the promissory note, the so-called Job Description, aka JD was full of rosy pictures. It appeared to be lousy in real bite. Besides, job role defined was vague, partial and not clear at all.
It could happen to you as well! Job descriptions can often be deceptive, or at the very least, misleading.
Points to ponder in Deceptive Job Descriptions:
- Vague Language: Terms like “fast-paced environment”, “flexible role”, or “wear many hats” might sound exciting. But often translate to understaffed and overworked.
- Inflated Titles: A title like “Manager” might make it sound senior. But wait, then you find out you’re the only one in the team and there’s nothing to manage!
- Hidden Red Flags
- “Must be able to handle stress” = expect burnout.
- “Strong sense of urgency” = they’ll call you on weekends.
- “Self-starter” = zero support or guidance.
- Culture Fit Talk: Descriptions that emphasize “fun, young, dynamic culture” might be masking an ageist or unprofessional work environment.
- No Mention of Compensation or Growth: If they’re vague or silent on salary, bonuses, or career path, it means what? Well, it often means there’s not much to talk about.
Hence next time be cautious and please don’t make curry in hurry. Good luck to you all.
Last Lines:
Myself Dr. Devdat, Career Strategist, Professional Resume & Linkedin Profile writer. My Email: devdat23@gmail.com and M: +91 9811664625.
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