Discover the Meaning in Job Postings: How to Read Without Being Overwhelmed

Have you ever read a three to four-page job description and still were confused by the time you finished? Many job postings for executives and professionals are extensive and include a variety of components. It’s not unusual to be a little overwhelmed by a detailed job description while trying to identify the full purpose of the job. Many executives and professionals wonder, ‘What is this company looking for?’

If you don’t know how to effectively and quickly review job postings and understand if you’re a good fit, you can waste hours applying for and reading job postings without getting any interviews. Expending countless hours of energy and time usually leads to frustration and burnout during a job search. Here are some tips for finding the meaning in job postings and understanding what a company is looking for in a job description! These aspects will help you determine essential information that can also assist you positioning yourself as an ideal candidate on your resume and during the interviewing process.

Start with the Requirements

Most job postings list their requirements (for training, credentials, and education) at the end of the description. This leads most people to read through the entire posting, only to get to the bottom and see that they are missing an essential prerequisite. If that’s the case, you may have wasted a few minutes, which can add up over time. Try scanning the job description first to find the non-negotiable requirements before reading the entire thing. It’s best to meet all (or almost all) of the role requirements. If you do not, there might be a way for you to convince the hiring manager still that you are a top candidate based on your resume and interview.

Weigh Any Preferences They Have Listed

In addition to requirements, many job postings have vital credentials or skills that they list as “preferred” for their ideal candidate. Try to identify those preferences during your initial scan of the posting. Does the company prefer candidates within their specialty area? Or are they open to any professional with similar skills and background? These preferences are generally thought of as “nice to have” qualities but not eliminating factors for possible employees. Ideally, you would want to meet the preferences and requirements.

Research Any Qualifications Listed

When looking over various job descriptions, you might come across terminology or qualifications you don’t know. If you are interested in that position, research those qualifications and any corresponding language you don’t know. Are you still excited about the position once you know exactly what everything means? Do you think you would be able to address the aspects of the job about those qualifications? Are you eligible to get certified in those highlighted areas or apply for the capabilities?

Be Capable of Completing the Job Responsibilities/Duties

Finally, you want to research the job responsibilities and duties listed. This section is typically listed towards the beginning of a job posting and can include the most detail. Most executives and professionals start reading here and might feel optimistic about a position. Later, they get to the preferences and requirements sections of the job description and start feeling pessimistic about their prospects because they don’t have certain aspects. At this point, they’ve wasted time reading the job listing. You must be capable of completing the job responsibilities and duties if you plan to apply for a position. However, you can swiftly move on to searching for other roles before reviewing the tasks, using a more structured review approach.

If you have ever felt like you’ve wasted a lot of time looking for the meaning in job posting (without genuinely understanding if you were a good fit), there are a few tips you can use to help. Start scanning the information to find the job requirements regarding training, education, and background. Next, see if you can find any other preferences relayed in the role description. If you come across terminology or qualifications you do not know, do a quick online search to identify what they mean. At that point, looking at the job responsibilities and duties to determine your level of competency is a good idea. What can you incorporate to help you better understand the meaning in job posting?
 

Fly High Coaching can help you soar to your full potential and find your dream job. We offer career coaching services, interview preparation and resume makeovers to support your success. Contact us today to get started with our expert career coaches. Check out our Land Your Dream Job 101 course for more information on how you can secure your desired job change.