Spot the beige warning signs (Picture: Getty/Metro)
By now, we’re all familiar with ‘beige flags’ in the dating world – AKA, the signs someone might be a bit dull.
But what if we apply this to our job search to recognise any warning signs from potential employers.
Of course, beige flags don’t set off the same alarm bells as red ones, but they might be a sign of things to come at that particular company.
Laura Saunders, the founder and commercial director of HiJOBS, says: ‘When it comes to dating apps and job hunting, there’s a few natural parallels. The beige flag trend leans into the sense of frustration and demotivation people can feel from fruitless dating app matches and uninspiring connections. The emotional reaction to ineffectual job searches and failed applications is very similar.
‘Getting that twinge of a beige flag feeling from a prospective new employer, may on its own not be a deal breaker, but I would definitely say it’s a sign you should probe a little deeper to make sure that the company, its values and role, are absolutely the right fit for you.’
As a result, the recruitment website has put together a few beige flags you should be aware of during your job search.
Beware of the bland
In a job spec, clichés of ‘excellent communication skills’, ‘goals-orientated’ or ‘the ability to multi-task’ lack specificity and fail to show the unique aspects of the role.
Maybe the role itself is bland, or the company behind it could be?
Steer clear of cringe
A company trying too hard can be a turn off.
Laura says: ‘Quirky job titles such as “SEO ninja” is about as beige flag as it comes. No naming names, but trying to entice potential candidates with the promise that “our work is as varied as the beer in our fridge” is likely to produce a small shudder.
‘If you have to say you’re cool, you’re not cool.’
A ‘competitive salary’
Salary transparency is important – so if a job advert is vague about this area, you might want to think twice.
Promoting the non-perks
Don’t be fooled (Picture: Getty)
Companies are legally obliged to give statutory holidays, pensions and maternity pay – so shouting about it isn’t perk.
Office dogs, posh coffee and beer Fridays are nice, but they’re not a hard benefit, says Laura.
In fact, a recent survey of 2,000 by HiJOBS found that when it comes to benefits generous holidays (85%), enhanced pensions (84%) and professional development (82%) are the big draws.
Attention to detail
If a job ad is littered with spelling errors and weird formatting, this is not a good sign.
‘Your CV may not make it past the inbox for the same crimes,’ says Laura.
Tell us about yourself. Twice.
‘When a cover letter and CV have been requested, followed up by an application form asking for exactly the same information. This is a beige flag,’ says Laura.
It’s simply a waste of your time and comes back to a lack of attention to detail.
Just all a bit… vague
If interviews are delayed or rescheduled, answers are evasive, and communication is poor, this is another thing to note.
Laura says: ‘Clear and timely communication is essential for a healthy working relationship, so consider how the employer’s communication style aligns with your expectations.’
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From trying too hard to promoting non-perks.