Make Your Job Search Efficient Through Job Posting Analysis

If you’re on a job hunt, you’re probably looking at 10 or more job postings every day, combing through the descriptions to gauge whether the right position for you is somewhere there. It’s a tedious task, but you can become more efficient by following a few tips. 

To make sure you’re applying for a job that is a great fit for you, it is imperative to examine each job posting thoroughly. It is important that the job interests you and that you have the qualifications for it. However, you don’t need every single qualification. If you’re missing a couple, it’s often worth it to submit your resume anyway. If not, you could be wasting precious time and effort in your job search.

The tactics below can help you analyze job postings more efficiently, which will allow you to feel confident when crafting your resume and cover letter. It’s important to customize them for each job you apply for since generic resumes never get anyone hired. Are you unsure of how to start, or do you need help with your resume and cover letter? Contact our resume experts for assistance.

Inspect the job responsibilities closely

You may think you know exactly what lies behind a job title, but you should study carefully the job description. The same job title can be presented differently by different companies, and the precise needs may also differ. You need to look at the responsibilities and skills listed in the description, which will give you an idea of what will be expected of you. 

Only by scrutinizing this information will you know what the job entails and whether you’re qualified for and interested in it. Don’t be fooled by a job title: You may not want to read through yet another job ad, but you’ll waste way more time if you apply for a position you’re woefully unqualified for or would end up hating.

In addition, don’t automatically reject job postings with titles that make you appear over- or under-qualified. Some companies may expect more or less for the same position. Again, you must delve into the job description to find out if you are qualified.

Verify that you are a fit and meet the requirements

Each job requires specific experience and skills. You want to make sure you meet all or most of the requirements before you apply. If you don’t, your resume and cover letter may be thrown out, and you’ll have wasted both the hiring manager’s time and yours. 

Companies list certain requirements and necessary skills because they’d rather not spend time, effort, and money training their new employees. If you don’t meet a few of the requirements, make sure to structure your resume so that your strong points are front and center. By the time the hiring manager sees you don’t check all the boxes, they may be willing to overlook that.

The best way to see if you’re a fit is to compare your resume to the job posting. There are certain keywords used in job postings that you can check against your resume and cover letter. If you find plenty of matches, you might be the one the company is looking for. If you’re missing many of the keywords, consider whether you do have the skills but are simply using different terminology. If that’s the case, you’ll want to tweak the language to align your resume better with the job posting.

It isn’t necessary to match every single requirement mentioned in the post. The company may be looking for someone who has most or some of the skills listed. If it’s a job you want, go ahead and apply. You may meet the main requirements and offer valuable skills that weren’t included in the posting but that the company would appreciate.

Make sure the post isn’t misleading

It’s important that you analyze a job posting to determine that it is trustworthy and legitimate. There are plenty of postings out there that are scams. The description should list the specific duties you will be required to perform. That information should be apparent and detailed. If it’s not, consider it a red flag. 

In case you are interested in the position but don’t feel you have enough information, contact human resources for more details, and if you get a bad feeling about the company, listen to your gut. Even if you’re desperate to land a job, you never want to take a chance on suspicious postings.

Does a job sound too good to be true? It probably is. Beware of scam postings that offer a salary way above what people in similar positions earn. Why would a company offer you $120,000 for a job that typically pays $60,000? Also, watch out for postings that claim “no experience is necessary” for the high-paying jobs they advertise. Protect yourself by doing research and eliminating all possibly fraudulent jobs.

Are they asking you to pay a fee to send in your application or telling you that you will have to pay for training? This is another red flag. A legitimate company will not ask for money to receive your application and will pay for you to take classes or train you if necessary.

Don’t hand over any personal information (social security number, birth date, bank account information, etc.) with your application. You shouldn’t provide this confidential information until you have received and accepted a job offer. If a company asks for this information before you’ve signed a contract, run away.

In addition, you should be wary of job postings that show up periodically in your search results. This could indicate a high turnover rate, which might hint at job dissatisfaction and/or poor supervision or leadership at the company. It may be a legitimate job, but chances are that it will make you miserable, so it may be best to move on to the next opportunity.

As you peruse job postings, read them thoroughly and critically. If you are left with doubts as to whether a job is a good fit for you, call or email the company to ask any lingering questions.

Keep in mind that the more you search, the easier it gets to pick up on keywords and spot scam postings. You will gradually become more efficient at identifying jobs that suit you, and you will be able to craft your resume and cover letter accordingly. If you need assistance revising and editing them, reach out to our experts.