How to Read the Job Classifieds

This employment classified ad sounds enticing. You can earn money immediately, you’ll be working close to home, and there’s no overtime. What could be a sweeter job? Before you rush down to apply for this job, let’s examine what this employment classified ad didn’t say.

 

What will you be selling in this new job? The classified ad didn’t say. Why not? Is the company ashamed of its product line? Be wary of a company that doesn’t mention its product or service in the job ad. Be skeptical if no one will tell you over the phone when you call for an interview. Any company that insists on meeting you face to face before revealing the product had something to hide.

 

What are the qualifications for the job? This employment ad didn’t list any requirements for experience, educational background, or related product or service knowledge. It looks like the company is willing to hire anyone.

 

You can make a thousand dollars per… what? Per day? Per week? Per month? The job classified ad doesn’t say. And what is the method of pay for this open employment position? Is it salary? A commission? A combination of the two?

 

The job classified ad lacked specifics. The employer was deliberately vague at key points. But in spite of the company’s effort to obscure, the open employment classified ad told us a lot.

 

The job classified ad wants people who can start work on Monday. This means the company is looking for sales people who are unemployed, or who are willing to desert their current employer immediately. This means your prospective employer will be will to drop you just as quickly. It also means that the company wants to hire people who are either desperate for work or a new job.

 

The job classified ad is looking for anyone that is willing to apply for the position. You’re not likely to get any significant training or support from the company. Expect to walk down the street, knocking on doors.

 

The employment classified ad stated that you will be paid a commission for this job. You can bet that this is a straight commission deal, no salary, no draw, and no expenses.

 

Take special notice in this job classified ad, “Our reps are independent contractors.” This is a tern that means, “We are not putting you on payroll and paying your payroll taxes.” So what does this mean to you? It means that you will have to make your own tax payments to the IRS. These payments will be higher than what you would normally be deducted from your paycheck for FICA (social security) taxes. You will also be excluded from any employment benefits the company has, such as group health insurance.

Considerable information can be taken from job classified ads once you learn how to read them. Here are some common terms.

 

Entry Level Position: This is a beginner’s job for someone starting out their career. Don’t expect the job to pay much. This doesn’t mean that it is a bad job. It may be a great place to get training, employment experience and to build your reference list.

 

Sales Manager Trainee: You’re going to be a salesperson. After you get the job you’ll find that everyone in the office except for the boss is a “sales manager trainee.”

 

Unlimited Income: You’ll be working on straight commission for this job.

 

Bonuses Paid Daily: This will probably be a very high pressure sales job. Expect a very hysterical work environment.

 

No Phone Calls: They won’t make an appointment for an interview because they expect you to go to their office and be willing to sit until they have time to interview you. This is probably a cattle call.

 

Leads, Leads, Leads!: Most of your time will be spent calling on people who filled out entry forms expecting to win a free trip to Bermuda.

 

Once you know how to read job classified ads, there are guidelines you can follow to help you decide which employment classified ads to answer.

 

Look for a company with specific requirements. These companies know what they want for the open job opportunity. If you happen to be the right person applying for the position, they will pay a top dollar salary to get you.

 

Look for a company that defines the responsibility of the job. The employment classified ad should specify the product or service.

 

Look for the job classified ad that outlines the compensation arrangement. Don’t expect disclosure of annual income. The information will be withheld until the job interview, and even later. But the employment classified ad should state whether or not the pay is salary, commission or a combination of the two.

 

Look to work for companies that offer training. The company that goes to the expense of training you is banking on your talents and wants you to succeed at the employment position. This is good for your career future even if you decide to leave the company down the road. The larger the investment the company is willing to make in your career success, the longer they will want to keep you working for them.

 

Be wary of phony requirements posted in job classified ads, “Must be honest and reliable.” People on death row consider themselves to be honest and reliable. Another meaningless qualification is “Must like people.” The only people this job classified ad has ever eliminated for an open employment position are those who hate the entire human race.