Job Hunting Tips: Understanding Job Advertisements (Part 3)

Let’s continue discussing common issues found in job advertisements, focusing on key points that job seekers should pay attention to:

Uncover hidden truths about job advertisements to make informed career decisions. Learn how to assess benefits, navigate salary expectation.

7) Benefits

A common issue in Hong Kong and some parts of Asia is that companies rarely disclose the salary range for a position in their job advertisements but still ask job seekers to provide their salary expectations. On job matching platforms, you’ll often see a “Benefits” section, but the actual value of these benefits can be limited. Benefits listed may not be fully accurate—what’s not listed may still be offered, and what’s listed may not always be guaranteed. This largely depends on whether the HR department or the person posting the job is diligent in specifying the benefits. Even if benefits like medical insurance, dental care, five-day workweeks, double pay, or bonuses are listed, they may change depending on the company’s business environment or policies (often resulting in reduced benefits). Benefits mentioned during the interview or in the final contract can also change over time, especially depending on job levels. Therefore, while the benefits listed in a job advertisement can be used as a reference, don’t place too much hope in them. It’s fine to ask for clarification, but don’t rely solely on these details.

8) Salary Information and Notice Period Requirements

If a job advertisement specifically asks for salary details and notice period, it’s essential that you provide this information. Many companies highlight requirements such as “Current salary, Expected salary, and Notice period” in bold or italics in their job posts. Failing to provide this information could give the impression that you didn’t follow the instructions, and your application may be discarded. While not all companies will strictly enforce this, it helps employers quickly filter out applicants with a salary mismatch. For example, if you’re currently earning $30,000 and you’re applying for a job where you’re asking for $48,000, the employer might decide not to waste time considering your application. If you prefer not to disclose your salary expectations upfront, you can always apply to other companies, but remember that job hunting is like finding the right partner—it’s about mutual agreement, so there’s no need to force it.

9) Using Free Email Accounts for Resume Submission

Most companies use email addresses with their own domain (e.g., hr@companyname.hk) for recruitment purposes, rather than free email services like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo! Exceptions are typically seen in positions such as drivers, personal assistants, or small retail sales jobs. If you’re applying for a general office position, be cautious if the job advertisement uses a free email address.

As online job matching platforms become increasingly popular and user-friendly, the ease of navigating job advertisements has greatly improved. Job seekers can increase their chances of success by focusing on the details of the ad, understanding the requirements, and providing the necessary information. After all, job ads are like chance encounters—they’re best understood and responded to thoughtfully, which will help you make the most informed decision.