In the process of relocating from New York City, I have been applying for remote positions for months now. My writing background comes from my past working as a journalist and specifically as a photojournalist in New York. Parallel to my photo career, I have a great deal of on-location audio experience as well as podcast and post-production. If you need an audio/visual professional with my focus or know someone that does, I will gladly send you my resume for consideration.
As I parse through the job listings on Indeed, Linkedin, and recruiter emails, I have come across some tiring patterns. I decided to compile a list of pet peeves that will likely grow until I find the right gig(s).
Pet Peeves of Job Listings:
Work for a stake in the company/Pro Bono/Internship/Volunteer.
When I worked as a set or unit photographer for films, I would often get "deferred payment." This means if the movie makes money then you make a small percentage of that. I have never been paid for any jobs where I did deferred payment but it did allow me to build a portfolio for later paid jobs. I see the work for a stake as the same and probably a waste of time if you need a job to make a living. If you eat meat you would probably rather work for steak.
"It's in our DNA."
This phrase inspired this post as I have come across multiple listings with it yesterday and today. Is your company an organism? What is the mitochondria of your business?
[job title] rockstar!
Usually presented as a question, "are you a [job title] rockstar?" I get that they want someone savvy with the specific skills but this brings to mind that patronizing tone many parents use with young children rather than speaking normally. "Are you a radio flyer rock star Jimmy? Yes, you are...yes you are!"
Produce viral videos.
Unless this is specific to a nightmare virus that has taken over the world, it's like asking an artist to make a #1 hit right out of the gate. Probably won't happen. Both are numbers and exposure games.
Listed as remote but has an office or location requirement.
This is not remote. I saw one today that was on a boat, which I guess is remote but not in the job without a specific location way.
Absurd list of requirements for the salary (too low) without a "nice to have" section.
It makes you question what the job entails as a fill-in-the-blank handyperson.
Must know Adobe After Effects, Maya, and Autocad and have chainsaw skills, culinary expertise, dog grooming, and cicerone certification.
Required phone numbers for all past job experience to complete a form.
I understand that this eliminates the need to ask for later, but I fear sometimes this is a way of farming phone numbers and particularly of people critical to helping you get a job in the interview process.
Request for a self video introduction.
Unless the job is a sort of influencer role or on-screen talent it's harder than you think to talk to no one in particular just the camera. I would compare it to photographing yourself. Also harder than you would think.
Unlimited Time Off.
This seems like a scam to get people to not take as much time off. But I have no experience on a full-time basis with this feature. Obviously, you don't want to miss too many days otherwise there might not be a job for you when you get back. As a freelancer, you take as much as you can get when it's there and time off comes when it comes. When it rains it pours.
Skill tests cloaked as free labor
I have no proof that a skill test was later used by a company that did not go with the candidate that produced it, but I have a hunch this has happened. If you are 2-3 interviews in, this seems like a more relevant task worth the time.
What is missing from this list? Let's add to it!
Pet Peeves of Job Listings
Unlimited PTO is definitely a scam to get you to take less, and also to avoid paying you out for unused PTO when you leave the company.
Good on you for getting out of the once great NYC.
I hope you are settled soon.