What to Check Before Applying to Any Job Post
Stop wasting time on bad-fit applications. Here's a checklist to quickly evaluate any job posting before you invest hours on an application.
Check the posting date
Job posts older than 30 days may already be filled or on hold. Fresh postings (within 7–14 days) have the highest response rates.
Verify the company is real
Check the company's website, LinkedIn page, and registration. Ghost jobs and scam listings are common — if there's no web presence, be cautious.
Read the requirements vs. nice-to-haves carefully
Apply if you meet 60–70% of the required skills. 'Nice to have' or 'preferred' qualifications are aspirational — don't let them stop you.
Check if salary is listed
Companies that list salary ranges tend to be more transparent overall. Research market rates on Glassdoor and Levels.fyi before applying.
Look for clear job responsibilities
A job post with vague responsibilities like 'other duties as assigned' in excess is a warning sign for poor planning or management.
Check the application process
More than 3 steps before even an initial screen, or requests for unpaid work/extensive test projects upfront, are red flags.
You've reached the end of this guide. Now go apply what you've learned!
More in Job Search
How to Choose the Right Company for Your Career
Not all job offers are created equal. Learn how to evaluate companies beyond salary so you find a place where you'll actually grow.
Finding Remote Developer Jobs That Are Actually Remote
Remote job boards are full of 'remote' roles with hidden location restrictions. Here's how to find and land genuinely remote positions.
Growing Every Day
Our community grows stronger each day. New developers joining, new opportunities emerging, and new connections being made. We're building something special.
Join NowJoin Now