How to Read a Job Description

Businesswoman using laptop in office

A Guide to Deciphering Job Descriptions and Finding Your Dream Job

You’ve read a million and one job descriptions in your job search, so we’re willing to bet you’re frustrated. (Reading job descriptions can be akin to reading Shakespeare: they can be very tough to get through, and depending on your tastes and job needs, a lot of work for very little return.) And yet, it doesn’t have to be so difficult, readers.

That’s why we’re created this guide. It will guide you—pun intended—through the best ways to read a job description, so you can hit the highlights, not miss anything important, and move on to the important part: snagging your dream job. Read on.

What Is a Job Description?

What a job description is seems pretty straight forward, we know. But for clarity's sake, let us all take a moment to define a job description as: a written statement explaining an open position. A good job description will delve into the duties to be performed by the employee, its purpose, and the scope of the work to be completed.



How to Find the Important Information


  • How does the employer want you to respond? Make sure you've found out the company's preferred method of communication. Don't plan to email a resume if the organization wants you to apply through its online job portal.

How to Spot a Fake Job Posting




And postings that ask for your personal information—such as your birth date, social security number, or mother’s maiden name—are also likely scams. This is info you shouldn't have to give out until you've received a job offer—if you give them at all.

How to Know if You Should Apply

Now that you've read the job description and gleaned key takeaways, it's time to decide whether you should apply. So now, it's time to read the description again.

First, think of the job description like a series of questions. When a job posting says that 10 years of experience is required, it's really asking you "do you have that much experience?" Do a gut check: do you meet the requirements, one way or another? In order to apply, you don't have to have 10 years of experience that exactly matches the job description, but you should have comparable experience to get an interview.




Learn More!