Not all job postings are created equal. From boilerplate to super in-depth, they can give you some clues when you are searching for jobs. And if you’re new in national security, you might find that some of the postings are a little different than what you’ve seen in industry. Don’t expect to be wowed by job postings. Creating a position description has its own challenges. Sometimes internal requirements are hard to meet. And then of course, contract specifications also play in a role in what makes it on the position description. Not only is the end result generally dry, it can also unnecessarily weed out some great candidates.
5 REd Flags to Spot
But beyond whether the job posting is interesting or boring, what else can you tell just by reading through it? There are some things that you should look for when you’re scanning the position description and what the employer says they want. But not every red flag needs to be a show stopper – it could just help set your expectations. Job satisfaction is often influenced by the right expectations.
1. Long position description with a never-ending list of “must haves”
While outside of national security, this may say a lot of things about an employer, usually inside the cleared world, it just says that the job you want has to list out contract obligations. That might mean that you can’t apply for the job without meeting certain requirements. However, the federal government specifications are shifting more towards skills over degrees. It’s always worth asking more questions if you get the chance. Often, the position is tied to what’s identified in the contract. Don’t get overwhelmed at the list. Just check off what you do or don’t meet and then work from there.
2. Missing or vague compensation numbers
Not all states are required to list compensation numbers, but the trend is headed in that direction. Transparency can help fight against the pay gaps that exist. Consistency in compensation for specific jobs can ease headaches and make communications a lot easier. Look for “competitive salary” or “compensation commensurate with experience” phrases, and then ask more questions. Don’t lead off with the salary discussion, but learn the ballpark early on. It will save you time and frustration.
3. Phrases that make you think of burnout
Everyone loves to say their work is fast paced or that they want a go-getter. But not every candidate is looking for that type of environment. And often in the DoD, fast paced means coming to a cubicle in a SCIF every day. If you’re coming out of a job that had you close to burnout, the “work hard and play hard” branding might not be the best fit. Terms that call for a self starter may not mean that there’s zero training provided. However, it does mean that you will want to ask clarifying questions. Maybe you want autonomy or you need a faster-paced job. Ask what the phrases refer to when you talk to a recruiter. It can help manage your expectations.
4. Contract terms
If the job posting says the position is contingent or notes that it is part of a bid or a proposal, you just need to manage your expectations. All contract jobs within the DoD generally start with a bid or a proposal at some point, so there’s no need to be alarmed at these terms. However, you also shouldn’t make major life changes based on the possibility of the job until it’s actually won. When my spouse was fresh out of his master’s program, we almost moved to the northern Virginia area for a position that had not been won. Thankfully, we chose a different option. However, we didn’t realize that one of the offers was contingent on contract award. Some mistakes are more costly than others, but having a job fall through after relocating can have a lasting impact. Don’t quit your current job or make any major moves until the contract is actually awarded.
5. POP timelines
Check job postings for period of performance (POP) timelines. If it’s not listed in the description, make sure you ask. It’s one thing to be hired at the beginning of the contract. It’s quite another thing to be hired in year four of a five-year contract that’s up for a re-bid. Timelines matter in your career. For some job fields, finding new contracts to hop to is not a big deal. But for others, it can be a struggle to land a spot on another contract in the same company or somewhere else. Make sure you understand the POP timelines before you get too far in the interview process.
Apply or Pass
Sometimes, you can weed out a job or employer just by reading through the job posting. But if you can work with what you see, take a shot and apply so you can start the conversation. Take a moment to sift through the language in the description. It will not only help you decide on whether to pass on it or apply, but it will also set your expectations for any follow-on conversations you have. At a minimum, it will help you determine questions to ask the recruiter.
