Job Search Tips: How to Spot Red Flags—and Green Flags—in Job Listings

For many Americans, the job market feels especially daunting right now. Part of this anxiety comes from how long and uncertain the job-seeking process can be. According to a 2025 survey by Zety, a career and resume platform, 53 percent of laid-off workers said they had to submit more than 50 applications before landing a new position, and 20 percent sent out more than 100.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. To make your job search a little smoother, we’ve rounded up some practical job search tips—including key red flags (warning signs) and green flags (positive signs)—to help you spot the best opportunities and avoid potential hazards along the way.

Red flags

Sometimes, a job can look too good to be true—and sometimes it is. While requests for upfront payment or fees are obvious red flags, other warning signs can be more subtle. Keep an eye out for these red flags before applying to or accepting a job.

Red flag 1: Suspicious Zoom links

You’ve been applying for jobs, and suddenly—good news!—an email arrives inviting you to schedule an interview. The message includes a Zoom link from someone claiming to be the hiring manager. This could be your big break—or a potential scam.

Online job scams have jumped 19 percent in the first half of 2025, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission. Before you click on that link, take a moment to verify that everything checks out. Make sure the email address matches the company’s official domain (for example, @companyname.com, not @gmail.com), and look for misspelled words or awkward phrasing, which are common red flags in scam messages.

Also, never give out sensitive information until you’ve confirmed the company is legitimate. Real employers won’t rush or pressure you into clicking links or sharing private information. When in doubt, pause, verify, protect your data—and trust your instincts.

Red flag  2: Recorded interviews with no human interaction

It’s becoming more common for companies to ask candidates to record video responses to a set of interview questions. On its own, this isn’t necessarily a red flag; it’s often just an efficient way for employers to screen many applicants at once.

Still, job seekers should proceed with caution with recorded interviews, warns Donna Shannon, a career coach at Personal Touch Career Services. “Not only is [this format] uncomfortable for many people,” Shannon says, “but the recordings may also be evaluated by AI systems that have shown bias in screening candidates.

Before proceeding with the interview, be sure to take the following precautions:  

• Research the platform being used. Legitimate companies usually rely on well-known tools such as HireVue, Spark Hire, or Willo.
• Check for transparency. The employer should clearly explain how your recording will be used, who will review it, and how long it will be stored.
• Watch for vague or suspicious requests. If you’re asked to send a video directly via email, or if the company provides little information about the process, it could be a scam.

Red flag 3: Concerning language

Sometimes, the words in a job posting tell you more than the job itself. Certain buzzwords can reveal underlying issues in the workplace culture or expectations.

For example, a phrase such as “work hard, play hard” might sound fun and energetic, but it could signal a high-pressure environment where long hours and burnout are the norm. Similarly, “you’ll wear many hats” could be an indication of scope creep, where your responsibilities expand far beyond your original job description once you’re in the role.

Recognizing concerning language early helps you steer clear of roles that could drain your time and energy so that you can focus instead on opportunities that truly fit your goals.

Red flag 4: Frequent reposting of positions

When browsing job boards, pay attention to how often a company lists the same position. If you notice your potential role has been posted multiple times over the past year, it may be a sign of high turnover or internal issues within the team.

If that information isn’t visible online, you can gently bring it up during the interview process. Shannon recommends asking a question such as, “Why did the last person leave this role?” to get a sense of longevity and stability. For additional insight, pay attention to how the hiring manager talks about the former employee. If they bad-mouth them, that can reveal a lot about the company culture and the level of respect within the workplace.

Green flags

Even though the job search can feel discouraging at times, job boards aren’t all doom and gloom. Here are some signs that a position or company might be a great fit for you.

Green flag 1: Transparency about pay, expectations, and benefits

Many companies now list specific salary information for a position. In 14 states, this is required by recent pay transparency laws. However, a company can go above and beyond by being open about pay, benefits, expectations, responsibilities, and more. True transparency can also show up in clear job descriptions, details about advancement opportunities, and how performance is evaluated.

Green flag 2: Acknowledgment throughout the hiring process

There’s nothing worse than putting time into a thoughtful application only to hear crickets. If a company makes an effort to keep you informed and updated throughout the hiring process, Shannon says that’s a solid indicator of a work culture that values respect and accountability. Acknowledgment can take many forms—such as timely confirmation emails, interview updates, or feedback after interviews—all of which show that your time and effort are valued.

Green flag 3: Encouraging you to speak to current/former employees

If a hiring manager invites you to speak with other staff members, that could be a sign that a business welcomes authentic conversations and has nothing to hide.

If they don’t instigate a conversation, don’t be afraid to reach out to current and former employees on LinkedIn, says Shannon. “Even if you don’t get a reply, you can often spot patterns by looking at their work histories,” she says. If you notice multiple longtime employees, that’s usually a sign people want to stay.

Green flag 4: Flexible work policies

Many people value hybrid or remote-friendly roles, and companies that are upfront about offering this demonstrate a supportive work/life balance and trust in their employees.

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By keeping these job search tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to spot genuine opportunities, avoid scams, and move confidently toward securing your next role.