How to check a job listing before you spend an hour applying

Start with the destination

Before reading every bullet, inspect where the Apply button goes. A company careers page or the hiring system named by that company is a stronger signal than another listing directory.

This does not prove that a role is genuine, but it removes a common layer of stale reposts and unclear ownership.

Check whether the role is still alive

Look for a recent posted date, a working application form and the same role on the employer's careers index. If one of those is missing, pause before tailoring your resume.

• Confirm the company and role names match across pages.
• Check that the location and work mode do not conflict.
• Avoid any process that asks you to pay for an interview or offer.

Decide before you customise

Only start the longer application work after the source and basic requirements look consistent. A two-minute check can save a much longer application to a dead role.