Job Search Tips: What Employers Say and What Employers Mean

Most job seekers, at some point, are interviewed by a greasy, double-talking master of bull.

Many realize this early on and run away. Others fall for the bull, continue interviewing, take the jobs and learn their mistakes too late.

As a public service, here's a cheat sheet detailing some of what hiring managers say and what they actually mean - and some advice on how to respond:

"This is a ground floor opportunity."

TRANSLATION: "We're going to pay you peanuts and string you along with vague promises of future wealth that will never come to fruition."

Advice: Don't agree to anything until you've completely researched the company. If it's a new company, then make sure to also research the owners, founders and management team.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"

TRANSLATION: "It's only once in a lifetime we can get someone like you in the door. Well, actually, that's not true - I'm interviewing gullible schmucks like you all day."

Advice: This phrase is too much of a sales pitch. If an employer has to sell candidates on the job, how good can the job really be?!?

"We offer competitive wages."

TRANSLATION: "We don't pay anywhere near what you could get elsewhere. What we mean to say is that everybody here is paid exactly the same."

Advice: Research the going rate for similar positions in your area and compare them to any offer you're given.

"We offer flexible hours."

TRANSLATION: "You will be flexible - because we aren't."

Advice: If you can't change your personal schedule to accommodate the company's needs, you won't be happy taking the job.

"Some of our reps make $150,000."

TRANSLATION#1: "They make that much for us. We can't afford to pay them that much."

TRANSLATION#2: "In fact, it only takes eight reps to make that much."

Advice: Ask to speak with the reps who make that much. Ask them what they do and what their processes are. Also ask to see what kind of car they drive - because they probably won't show you their pay stub or W-2.

"All this for a nominal investment."

TRANSLATION #1: "You'll pay us for the right to read information you probably already know or can get for free if you know how to use Google."

TRANSLATION #2: "You'll pay us a lot of money for the sample set and/or to use our name."

TRANSLATION #3: "The nominal investments are our primary source of income."

Advice: Unless you're buying a franchise, run - don't walk - away. You should NEVER have to pay an employer to hire you.

"This is a fun place to work."

TRANSLATION: "We don't pay much, but you may get lucky with your co-workers."

Advice: If you're single and still live with your parents, give it a try. If you have to pay your own rent or mortgage, or have a significant other, move on to the next opportunity.

"We're looking for dedicated people."

TRANSLATION:"You are going to be SO overworked!"

Advice: If it's in your chosen field, you probably won't mind spending more than 40, 50 or 60 hours per week on the job. If it's not in your chosen field, keep looking.

"This job isn't about the money."

TRANSLATION: "For staff, that is. For management, it's ALL about the money."

Advice: Whenever a boss or employer says the job isn't about the money, hold onto your wallet and ask for their paycheck.

IN A NUTSHELL: Knowing what interviewers actually mean can save you a lot of time, hassle, embarrassment and maybe even money.