Job Ad Red Flag Checker
“Fast-paced environment”? “We're like a family”? Paste a job advert and we'll flag the dodgy phrases and translate what they often really mean — all on your device, nothing saved.
These phrases are common euphemisms, not proof of a bad employer — plenty of good companies use them out of habit. Treat this as a prompt to ask better questions, not a verdict.
How to spot the red flags in a job advert
Job adverts have a language all of their own, and a lot of it is designed to make a demanding role sound appealing. This tool scans the advert for the most common euphemisms and warning signs — things like “fast-paced environment”, “we're like a family”, “competitive salary” with no figure, or unpaid trial shifts — and translates what each one often really means, so you can read between the lines before you apply.
The biggest tells are usually around pay and hours: no salary listed, “OTE” figures that depend on hitting big targets, and phrases that hint at long hours or doing several jobs at once. None of these prove an employer is bad — plenty of good companies use them out of habit — but together they're a useful prompt to ask sharper questions.
It all runs in your browser and nothing is saved. Treat it as a guide that helps you go into an interview informed, not a verdict on the company.
Frequently asked questions
What are the biggest red flags in a job ad?⌄
No salary or a vague “competitive salary”, unpaid trial shifts, “OTE” pay that depends on targets, and phrases like “fast-paced”, “wear many hats”, “work hard, play hard” and “we're like a family” that can hint at long hours and weak boundaries.
What does “competitive salary” actually mean?⌄
Often that the pay isn't a selling point — if it were genuinely strong, they'd usually state the figure. It's worth asking for the exact salary range early in the process.
Is an unpaid trial shift legal in the UK?⌄
Using someone for real, productive work without pay can breach minimum-wage rules. A genuine, short, observed assessment can be different — but unpaid trial shifts are a significant warning sign worth questioning.
Does a red flag mean I shouldn't apply?⌄
Not necessarily. Many good employers use this language without meaning anything sinister. Use the flags to decide what to ask about — salary, hours, support and why the role is vacant — rather than as an automatic no.
Is the job ad I paste saved anywhere?⌄
No. The check runs entirely on your device and nothing is stored or sent.