Understanding Job Listings
Job listings are a logical place many people start their job hunt. The first step of finding the right job for you comes in the form of understanding job listings. And we mean understanding them at a deep level and using your detective skills to decipher exactly what an employer might be looking for.
When you can translate what an employer is looking for, you are better positioned to know whether you are a good fit for the job. You will also be able to tailor your cover letter and resume to the job ad and increase your chance of an interview.
So let’s take a look at the typical parts of job listing and what the information is telling you, as well as how you should evaluate that information.
Job Description:
This is the introduction of the job ad and it usually contains the job title and basic description, including the location of the role. It might also include a company profile.
You Should Consider:
If this is not a remote position, is the job location suitable for you?
Do the hours meet your needs? For instance, full-time, part-time, contract, weekends, nights, etc.
Are you familiar with the company? If not, now is a good time to do some research to learn more about their history, values, and the industry in general.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The job ad should briefly describe the main tasks or the key responsibilities of the role. This is designed to give potential employees a clearer picture of what the day-to-day routine would be.
You Should Consider:
Have you performed similar duties in the past?
Can you see yourself performing these duties on a daily basis?
Does this sound like a position that will fit into your overall career plan?
Are your transferable skills relevant to these duties?
Can you identify a time or times when you’ve excelled in any of these duties or responsibilities?
Experience, Qualifications, and Proficiencies:
This section will usually detail the skills and experience you will need to qualify for the job. It will highlight the employer’s requirements, such as previous work experience, education, certifications, the need for a driver’s license, computer software and hardware proficiency, and more.
You Should Consider:
Are you qualified for this position? While it’s important that you meet the mandatory requirements, for example you cannot become a doctor without the required qualifications, you should not be discouraged if you don’t meet every requirement in the ‘preferred skills/experience’ section. Even though this is an employer’s ideal wish list, it is likely that very few candidates will possess all of the skills and experience on that wish list. Focus on the requirements where you know you excel.
Phrases like “you must have” or “you need” usually mean that there is no point in applying if you don’t have these skills.
Words like “preferably”, “preferred”, “ideally” or “desired” suggest some flexibility.
When tailoring your resume to meet these requirements, make sure to include volunteer work, study, and other relevant experience.
In your cover letter, talk about how certain attitudes, personality traits and transferable skills you possess can help you gain competency in areas where you may lack experience or in the areas you might not have had any previous experience.
Application Instructions:
Lastly, the listing should give instructions on how to apply for the job and the date that applications close. It may or may not give details on what form of contact to expect back from the potential employer.
You Should Consider:
Yes. Following these instructions is absolutely the first test of your potential new job. Not following these basic initial instructions inaccurately is often the first way employees weed through potential candidates. Don’t get yourself dismissed before you even a get a chance to show what you have to offer. Make sure you apply for the job exactly as per the instructions.
Be sure to include any of the additional material requested in the advertisement, such as references (more on that below), or previous work samples.
Pay attention to special instructions such as “No phone calls”, “Apply by email”, “no more than 2 pages,” etc.