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Job hunting is…depressing. It’s stressful, it’s time-consuming, and the worst part about it is that you never really know what you’re stepping into. What seems good on paper could be the complete opposite on day one—or those demons come out after a few months, leaving you wondering whether you should start the hunt all over again. Luckily, there are a few ways to cut through the buzzwords, and we’re here to help you navigate the jargon. 

Poor Glassdoor Reviews

Hey, you wouldn’t eat in a two-star restaurant, so why work for a subpar company? For some reason, people often overlook the value of Glassdoor. While you want to take one-star complaints with a grain of salt, it’s a totally different story if every review falls short. Past employees have no reason to lie, and if they warn you away from a place, you should probably listen. 

Heavy Focus on Incenvites

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Who doesn’t love a pizza party every Friday? Aw, sweet—a foosball table in the office! The reality is that classic incentives are only nice on paper; it’s like getting paid in experience. In-office ping pong tables don’t pay the bills. Free lunches won’t cover medical expenses. Toxic companies know what, so don’t let them swindle you.

Pay attention to what’s on the table. Is the salary listed in the job description? Do they offer benefits? What’s the PTO policy? It’s way better to work for a boss who doesn’t expect free overtime, not one who insists “we’re all a family.” 

They Prioritize Bonuses Over Salary

Speaking of salary, it’s never good when job postings don’t list it outright. It’s even worse if your hiring manager skirts around the question. But, there’s also a hidden indicator of company toxicity: whether they value bonuses and raises over base salaries.

Poorly managed companies know how exciting it is to hear about more money. They’ll tell you all about how easy it is to earn a supposed bonus or highlight performance-based raises. We hate to tell you, but they’ll likely skimp on both—assuming they’d even pay out to begin with. 

You’re well within your rights to ask about salary upfront, and good companies aren’t shy about revealing the number. They’re also forthcoming about any added extras and how they measure success. 

Red Flag Language

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Beware telltale lingo! Anything from “we work hard and play hard” to “fast-paced environment” indicates a terrible company. If you’re new to job hunting, it likely doesn’t appear that way at first glance, but trust us: you’ll only fall head-first into chaotic mismanagement. 

A Thousand Department Heads

If a company has its employees listed, take a peek at who’s working there. Is it a small, tight-knit team, or is it overrun with middle management? While larger companies don’t always signal trouble, nonsensical work titles certainly do. If you ever see a “Deputy of Office Happiness,” you’ll be neck-deep in office politics and toxic culture. 

The Bottom Line

It’s not always easy to spot snakes in the brush, but bad companies always reveal themselves. Keep an eye out for any red flags and don’t ever settle for less than you deserve.