Hi everyone, PostPlanner here!
As someone who’s navigated the world of job listings for a while now, I’ve come across my fair share of “uh-oh” moments. You know, those red flags that make you stop and wonder whether it’s worth the trouble—or just time to move on. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, recognizing these warning signs early can save you from a lot of headaches down the line.
I wanted to share some of the most common red flags I’ve noticed in job descriptions, along with a bit of advice from myself and others in the community. Feel free to add your thoughts or share your experiences in the comments! Let’s make this a helpful guide for everyone.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Ambiguity Over Work Ownership
“The work is yours until we pay in full.” That’s fair—standard practice, really. But if a client suggests otherwise or gets vague about ownership before payment, that’s a major warning sign. Protect your rights as a creator!
Clients Asking You to Cover Costs or Use Your Accounts
A client should never expect you to front costs or use your own accounts for their benefit. Examples include paying for hosting, domains, or subscriptions without reimbursement upfront—or worse, listing items on your personal eBay or Craigslist accounts. You could end up footing the bill or facing legal trouble.
The “Bait and Switch” Job
A classic: the client posts one job, but during the interview, they pitch something completely different. While minor adjustments are normal, drastic changes are often a sign of dishonesty—or an attempt to underpay you for tasks you didn’t sign up for.
Interviewing Too Many Candidates
If a client is interviewing an unusually high number of applicants, it could mean they’re breaking up the job into “test tasks” to get free work. Look at their hiring history: lots of job posts but few hires? Tread carefully.
Low Bidders Get All the Attention
If the client is only interviewing the cheapest applicants, chances are they’re not valuing quality. This isn’t likely to lead to a positive working relationship.
Demanding Job Posts with a Tiny Budget
When a client lists an exhaustive set of qualifications or requirements but offers a laughably small budget, it’s often best to move on. They’re broadcasting that they don’t respect the value of professional work.
Aggressive or Hostile Tone
CAPS LOCK EVERYTHING? “DO THIS OR YOU’LL BE IGNORED!” A job post filled with hostility or rudeness is a massive red flag. If they’re this difficult in the description, imagine working with them.
Taking Over a Half-Finished Project
Sorting out someone else’s work can take longer than starting fresh. Always ask why the previous contractor left, and assess whether the situation seems genuine or if it’s a pattern of problematic clients.
One-Line Job Descriptions
“Need a website. Plz help.” A vague or lazy description usually indicates the client doesn’t know what they want—or worse, they expect you to figure it out on your own for free.
Unverified Payment Method
Clients with unverified payment methods could be first-timers—or scammers. Either way, proceed with caution and clarify expectations.
Requests to Create User Accounts Elsewhere
Some jobs require creating accounts as part of the work, but if the request feels unrelated or fishy, it’s better to decline.
Unrealistic “World Domination” Plans
Clients pitching grandiose schemes (often NDAs involved) for low budgets? Red flag. These projects are rarely viable and often a waste of time.
Jobs with Middlemen or Committees
Working through layers of middlemen often leads to miscommunication and unpaid revisions. Watch out for sub-subcontracting—it’s a recipe for frustration.
“It Will Only Take 5 Minutes”
Spoiler alert: It won’t. Even the smallest job involves communication and logistics, so don’t let this phrase undervalue your time.
Unrealistic Compensation for Scope
A reasonable budget on paper might turn out to be a monthly salary for full-time work. Always clarify expectations to avoid getting shortchanged.
Tasks Involving CAPTCHAs, Watermarks, or Web Scraping
Anything that sounds unethical or legally questionable is a hard pass. These are shortcuts to trouble.
“Great Opportunity for Newbies”
These posts often promise feedback in exchange for low pay. While they can help you build your profile, be mindful of exploitation.
Vague Specifications with Unlimited Revisions
Without clear boundaries, you risk being stuck in an endless cycle of revisions. Negotiate “reasonable” redo terms upfront.
Requests for Personal Information or Off-Platform Communication
Never share sensitive details (like ID or bank info), and don’t agree to handle payments outside a secure platform. These are hallmarks of scams.
Suspicious Links (Phishing)
Always check where a link is taking you. Fake login pages are a common tactic for stealing credentials.
Your Turn!
What other red flags have you encountered in job descriptions? How do you protect yourself from questionable clients? Share your stories and advice below—I’d love to hear your perspective! Let’s help each other stay informed and safe in the job market.
Looking forward to your thoughts,
