Job Posting Red Flags: What Candidates Are Actually Saying (and What Small Businesses Can Learn)
Hiring shouldn’t feel harder than it needs to be.
But for many small businesses, attracting strong candidates has become increasingly challenging — even when the role itself is solid.
Recently, an article published by MSN summarized a Reddit discussion where job seekers openly shared the phrases and practices in job postings that make them immediately opt out. What stood out wasn’t that candidates were being picky — it was how consistently the same themes came up.
As an HR consultant working closely with small and growing businesses, I see this gap all the time: what employers intend vs. how job postings are actually received.
Here’s what candidates are saying — and what you can do differently.
When “Competitive Salary” Feels Like a Red Flag
Many candidates shared that when a job posting says “competitive salary” without a range, they assume the pay hasn’t been clearly defined yet — or that it may be lower than expected.
From an employer’s perspective, this phrase is often meant to signal flexibility.
From a candidate’s perspective, it can signal uncertainty or a potential low offer later in the process.
What works better:
Even a reasonable range builds trust and saves time on both sides.
“Self-Starter” and the Training Gap
Several candidates said that seeing “self-starter” in a posting makes them worry about a lack of onboarding or support. The concern isn’t independence — it’s being expected to figure everything out alone and still be held fully accountable.
What works better:
Be clear about what training, resources, or ramp-up support looks like. Independence and support are not opposites.
“We Wear Many Hats” Isn’t Always Appealing
This phrase came up repeatedly as a turn-off. Candidates said it often reads as doing multiple roles without clarity, boundaries, or appropriate compensation.
Small businesses are, by nature, lean — and many roles do involve variety. But without context, candidates may assume role creep or burnout.
What works better:
Outline core responsibilities and where flexibility truly applies.
Fast-Paced Environments and Vague Expectations
Candidates also shared that “fast-paced environment” often signals chaos rather than growth — especially when there’s no mention of structure, staffing, or leadership support.
Growth can be exciting. Uncertainty is not.
What works better:
Explain what makes the environment fast-paced and how employees are supported within it.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Most small business owners aren’t trying to mislead candidates.
They’re using language that’s been normalized in job postings for years.
The issue is that candidates have become much more vocal about how that language lands.
What works better: Clear pay ranges, defined responsibilities, and transparent expectations don’t just attract better candidates — they set the tone for trust before the first interview ever happens.
A Better Way Forward
You don’t need corporate-level recruiting teams or overly polished postings.
You need clarity, honesty, and intention.
Small changes in how job postings are written can dramatically improve who applies — and who stays.
This post was inspired by a recent MSN article summarizing candidate feedback from a Reddit discussion on job posting red flags. You can read the original article here.
For more practical hiring insights, templates, and HR guidance built specifically for small businesses, explore the Loliru Library and subscribe to the newsletter at loliruconsulting.com.
