30 Job Listings That Are So Insulting It’s Not Even Funny Anymore

Seeing these job ads probably raises some questions when you encounter them. How is it possible that these postings actually got through? Does nobody vet them, or are some employers really so entitled they include these kinds of requirements? Robyn L Garrett, author of Happy At Work, says that some employers might just be that out of touch with reality. 

"They can't understand why people won't be breaking down doors to work their low-paying, do-everything job," she explains. "To them, whatever meager salary they're offering is a lot. They're not researching enough to realize that it's not." 

Corporate training, leadership development, and HR consulting specialist, Ashley Herd, agrees, saying that some companies might not understand how expensive life has gotten. "And those that do think that means they can take advantage of people who need income," she tells Bored Panda.

Some employers' lack of “real life” awareness might make them think they're in a vacuum, Herd explains. That's why some of them don't even question what they're doing. They might not even think that the absurd requirements on their job postings might be tone-deaf. Luckily, with social media, the absurd realities of job hunting can quickly come to the surface.

Herd also says that some recruiters believe workers need to earn the position at their company. "Many employers believe 'paying your dues' is necessary – including doing long, hard work for minimal pay." The sad thing is that, contrary to what the company believes, it's not beneficial for them or the employee.

People talk, especially on social media. So it can be easy for a company to quickly lose its reputation with a ridiculous or insulting job posting. Herd recommends recruiters keep social media in mind when posting an ad.

"Anything you put in a job posting, ask yourself, ‘If this were to be screenshot and put on social media, would it go viral for the wrong reasons?’ And if you don't have a sense of what might look so wrong that it goes viral – ask your assistant or family member," the corporate trainer recommends.

Leadership coach Robyn L Garrett says that companies need to clearly define the role in the ad. Ironically, this is what costs many businesses embarrassing mistakes, she says. "You should know what the job is, what it is usually called, and what responsibilities are typical," she lists some things that are essential to an appropriate job posting.

According to Garrett, recruiters shouldn't be afraid to look at what their competitors are doing. "If you can't find anything similar because the role just seems 'too specialized' or requires 'a little of everything,' then pump the breaks. There are thousands of active job listings to look at for reference and several salary database options. If you can't find comparable postings, you're not special – you're just disorganized," she points out.

The founder of Manager Method, Ashley Herd, says that employers should think about balancing the costs as well. "If your workplace or role is so tough that it drives people away, you're likely going to spend far more in recruiting, training, and scrambling than if you made them more sustainable in the first place," she points out.

We also asked our experts if they have any advice for people currently looking for a job. Robyn L Garrett recommends applying to many different companies. "Job searching is a numbers game. You never know where the business is in the hiring process, so you have to cast a wide net. Sometimes, your resume just needs to be in the right place at the right time, so keep applying."

Ashley Herd says that patience is important when you're looking for a job. One might need to sort through different roles and weed out the good ones. "'Green flag' signs of employers include putting pay ranges, even where not legally required, [and] giving an overview of the interview process and what you can expect in [the] role," she lists some things job-seekers should look for.

Herd also encourages people to look around at themselves and their families and see what jobs people are working. "Ask your friends where they work and if they like it. Even if you go on social media and make a post and say, 'If you like your job or boss, where do you work and what do you like about it?', you're likely to get some good responses that may lead to referrals for open positions," the manager trainer says.

If there's one thing Herd could tell all employers and recruiters, it is that everything they do has a ripple effect on the lives of their team members. "When you have job postings that are clear and treat people with respect, you can not only make a positive impact on more people than just your employees, but [you can] be a business that clients and customers want to work with. It's business sense, too," she concludes.