A blind job ad is a common practice from employers…
You may be perusing your favorite job boards and come across an opening that looks enticing. You easily meet the requirements. The description and pay make it feel like this could be the next logical step in your career. There are no significant red flags.
However, there is no company name anywhere in the ad. Instead a blind job ad might use descriptions such as “an industry leader,” or “an emerging startup” to grab your attention. Every other aspect of the posting may look good.
When it comes to job hunting, and making your next career step, we’re often given some popular words of wisdom, that go like this: “When in doubt, apply.” This makes sense when you’re mulling over potential opportunities. It doesn’t always make sense to limit your possibilities before it’s truly decision time.
It may be tempting to look at a blind job ad with this glass is half full reasoning. The ad itself may look quite enticing. It may leave you wondering if the position is for a larger company, or involves more room to grow in your career. The ad may be for a company that you never thought you’d have a chance with, if they did put their company name on the ad.
In the case of a blind job ad, applying is still a bad idea. There is a realistic chance your cover letter and resume could land on your current boss’s desk. That is an awkward circumstance that may not be forgiven, or looked on so kindly. For that reason alone, it’s best to know what company you are applying to. You don’t want to create a heightened sense of urgency by making your current work environment worse.
It’s also possible that the blind job ad was placed to take your information, or that the position isn’t what it was advertised to be. In the course of your job hunt, it’s always better to reply to ads that are open and up front about the company, and the description.
Working with a national recruiting agency can also offer your career a boost you may not otherwise have. For more candidate advice, feel free to contact us for our career wellness check.