How To Figure Out What An Employer Wants Through A Job Posting

Were you aware that 1.1 million Americans have no work? If you’re looking for employment in the current market, you know that every opportunity counts.

Job searching hasn’t quite reached the level of last century’s interstellar job-seeking adventures, but there’s still plenty to keep you on your toes. A job is much more than a source of income; it’s the determining factor of your general quality of life. You must do all that’s in your power to secure the best fit for yourself.

How can you do so? That’s what we’re here to explain! Keep reading to learn what to do before approaching a job posting.

Pay Attention To The Job Posting Title

The job title can give you a good indication of what the employer is looking for. For example, if the job title is ‘Accountant’, the employer is likely looking for someone with experience in accounting. If the job title is ‘Administrative Assistant’, the employer is likely looking for someone who is organized and can handle administrative tasks.

Pay attention to the job title and you will have a better idea of what the employer is looking for.

Note The Keywords And Phrases Used in The Posting

You will want to look for key phrases and words that are repeated throughout the posting. Some common phrases include “seeking a candidate with,” “must have,” and “qualified applicants will have.” 

If an employer is looking for a hard worker, they might use phrases such as “team player,” “willing to work long hours,” or “driven.” By taking note of the keywords and phrases used in a job posting, you can get a better sense of the type of person an employer is looking for.

Identify the Required and Preferred Qualifications

These are the job description that would be nice to have. For the cashier example, a preferred qualification might be experienced using a cash register, and being able to stand for long periods of time. You can also look for specific requirements, such as a certain degree, like online business administration degree certification, that the employer is looking for.

Consider The Job Duties And Responsibilities

Take some time to consider the job duties and responsibilities that are laid out.  Are they looking for someone with strong leadership skills? Great attention to detail? The ability to work well under pressure?

In addition to job duties and responsibilities, also pay attention to the language that is used in the posting. Is the tone formal or casual? Are they looking for someone with a sense of humor? Someone who is creative? Again, use this information to help you better understand the job opening.

Research The Company

This can be done by visiting the company website. Reading through their “About Us” page, and searching for news articles or blog posts that mention the company. Once you have a good understanding of the company’s culture and values, you can start to look at the specific job posting and see how your skills and experiences fit. 

Make Sure You’re A Good Fit For The Company

After reading a job posting, it is important to research the company to see if you are a good fit. This can be done by looking at the company’s website, and social media, and talking to employees. Once you have a good understanding of the company, you can tailor your resume and cover letter to show how you are a good fit for the company.

Interested in learning more about a job hunting? Then be sure to explore our blog for all of the answers to your questions!