Decode confusing job adverts with these expert tips

Role descriptions are longer than ever, but when a job advert includes pages and pages on the company’s goals, the team and the task at hand, it can feel overwhelming.

Answering ‘am I right for this job?’ becomes a lesson in decoding, even when you’re familiar with the industry.

I asked experts for their tips on getting the gist of a job advert and came to realise that while long descriptions can be confusing, they also give you everything you need to succeed. It’s all there in black and white.

Here’s how to understand it, according to HR and careers professionals.

Career coach Shilpa Kulshrestha - Murdering Mediocrity says the first thing to consider is whether this role description matches your take on what the title means.

“Titles can sometimes be misleading as every company has their own definition,” she writes on LinkedIn. “Quickly look through the responsibilities to ensure if they interest you enough. Is that what you would love to do? Because if you don’t, you are not setting yourself up for success.”

Professional speaker Hilary Callaghan says there’s one thing to keep in mind when reading the required skills section.

“Remember, employers are looking for potential as much as they are looking for perfect matches, they write on LinkedIn. “Understand 'preferred' vs 'required' — don't be discouraged by long lists of qualifications. 'Preferred' often means 'nice to have' rather than essential.”

Data scientist Banji Alo agrees, saying you should apply if you meet 60-70% of the requirements.

Still doubting yourself on whether you’ve got the skills to do the job? Executive recruitment advisor Verge Das Neves says, “When in doubt, put in an application anyway.”

“If you fill 80% of the requirements of the role, you have a good chance of landing at least an initial conversation,” he writes on LinkedIn.

Wylan Ho writes on LinkedIn that it’s worth jotting down questions for the job interview while reading the description, “No matter how short or long a job description is, it will never tell you the full story. That's why interviews are there, for you to fact-find what the expectations are for the role.”

For the last word, career strategist Ramya Sivakumar Bala says it pays to look beyond the roles that are advertised.

“Consider reducing your reliance on 100% online job applications,” she writes on LinkedIn. “Make a list of targeted companies that you are interested in, the industries you are looking at and what you are keen on working with.”

What are your tips for decoding job adverts? Share your take in the comments below.

Whether you're job seeking or thinking about starting your own business, it pays to focus on your mindset. Check out these nano tips on developing a high-performance entrepreneur mindset with Terry Rice.

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Introducing Editor Brendan Wong who will be looking after Get Hired Australia and NZ from now on.

I started writing daily career content just as the pandemic hit. Suddenly I saw that job seeking advice wasn’t a ‘nice to have’, it was vital information. I’m moving on to work on some exciting new areas, including in the Premium community.

If there’s one thing I can muse about career advice, it’s that getting your job right is often synonymous with getting your life on track. Careers can be a source of self-worth, financial stability, social interaction, a vehicle to your passions and more.

You'll never regret taking the time to think about your career, because that also helps to understand your personal motivations and your place in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their advice and experiences in this newsletter — let's give Brendan the warmest of welcomes as he takes over.