How to Read a Job Posting
Job ad descriptions follow a similar format. That doesn’t imply you should skim a job description. It will help you create compelling cover letters, save time by just applying to suitable positions, and prepare you for phone screenings and in-person interviews.
How to Read a Job Posting?
Job ad descriptions are usually divided into sections. Expect to find information about the business, data on the required credentials of candidates, and a description of the role’s duties.
Job title: Keep in mind that job titles vary by industry and company. In this case, “editing assistant” and “assistant editor” are different jobs. The job title may tell you about the necessary experience, the degree of responsibility, the pay, and the task itself.
Qualifications: This part of a job ad description highlights an applicant’s achievements and abilities. “High school graduate” or “previous experience in…” Here you’ll discover information about the employer’s preferred qualifications, including previous work experience, education, and soft and hard talents. Even if you don’t have all of the specified credentials, you should at least have the bulk of them.
Responsibilities: This section of a job ad description outlines your duties. Examine closely—do you like this work? Look for experience that fits your CV. Some job ad descriptions describe duties in broad terms (e.g., “lead the team in producing XYZ”), while others are more specific (e.g., “create weekly report”). If you don’t recognize some of the bullet points, don’t worry. If you’re not acquainted with all the duties, this may not be the ideal fit.
About us: Most job ad descriptions include company information. This is a good place to start studying the company’s culture and principles.
Benefits and compensation: While hourly pay is often disclosed, salaried jobs are seldom so. You may notice words like “competitive salary” or “compensation commensurate with experience.” However, when it comes to perks, businesses are usually upfront, since all workers get the same advantages.
Experience level: Experience level is often specified in a job ad description in terms of years or career level. This should be reviewed with the job title. A project manager with one to three years of experience will have different duties and pay than a mid-to senior-level project manager.
To be hired, think of the job ad description as your road plan. Read the description carefully. Review the ad description for the following points:
Initially: A brief perusal of the job ad description is OK. Consider this as a party check-out for a prospective date.
A cover letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to the position and the employer’s requirements.
Before submitting your application: Review the job ad description again before submitting your application, including your cover letter, résumé, and any other required information. Have you followed the directions? Did your cover letter include the right details? Should you prioritise talents on your resume?
Pre-interview: Before a phone or in-person interview, thoroughly study the job ad description. It will remind you of key things to highlight and remind you of key points to address.
Don’t scan the job ad description. Though tedious to read, the information in job ads can help you write the ideal application and conduct effective interviews.
