I think the first thing to do when you come across a weird job is to check if the role actually exists beyond the flashy title. I once saw a posting for a “Chief Happiness Officer” that turned out to be a standard HR assistant gig with a lot of buzzwords. So I always start by reading the job description carefully—look for concrete responsibilities, required skills, and a clear reporting structure. If the description is vague or uses overly playful language without substance, that’s a red flag.
Next, I look at the company itself. Do they have a solid online presence? Check their LinkedIn, employee reviews on Glassdoor, and their website. A weird job title can be a clever marketing move for a legitimate company, but it can also be a cover for a disorganized or even toxic workplace. For example, a startup might call you a “Growth Hacker” but expect you to do cold calling and data entry without any growth strategy.
I also ask myself: Does this job align with my long-term career goals? Even if the role is unusual, it might offer unique skills or networking opportunities. But if it’s just a gimmick to attract applicants, it’s probably not worth the risk. One trick I use is to search for the exact job title on other platforms—if it’s listed differently elsewhere, that’s suspicious.
Finally, I’d recommend talking to someone who currently works there if possible. An informal chat can reveal a lot about the real day-to-day. In my experience, a weird job that is backed by a strong company culture and clear expectations can be a fantastic opportunity. But if the weirdness is just a smokescreen, walk away. Trust your gut—if it feels off, it probably is.
