Reading a Job Description as a Job Seeker (August 25, 2025)

 Often times when I am asked by people about job opportunities that they come across as a job seeker that they have difficulty in understanding the job description. So I thought I would take some time to look at that part of the job seeking process. Reading a job description as a job seeker isn’t just about seeing if you “fit,” it’s about decoding what’s really important to the employer and figuring out how you can present yourself as the solution. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

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🔎 1. Start with the Job Title

• Don’t take it at face value—titles vary by company.

• Look at the level implied (e.g., “Coordinator” vs. “Manager”).

• Cross-check responsibilities with industry norms.

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📍 2. Check the Overview / About the Role

• This usually reveals the “big picture” purpose of the job.

• Ask yourself: What problem does this position solve for the company?

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🎯 3. Focus on Responsibilities / Duties

• These tell you what you’d be doing day-to-day.

• Highlight tasks you’ve done before and note gaps to address in your cover letter or interview.

• Pay attention to repeated themes (e.g., “collaboration,” “reporting,” “project management”)—that signals what’s most important.

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📚 4. Break Down the Qualifications

• Required: deal-breakers—if you don’t meet them, it’s harder to move forward (though experience can sometimes substitute).

• Preferred / Nice to have: these are wish-list items, not must-haves. Don’t self-reject if you don’t check every box.

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💡 5. Look at Keywords

• Words like “fast-paced,” “detail-oriented,” or “self-starter” often reflect the company culture.

• Jot down keywords—you’ll need them for tailoring your resume and cover letter (and for applicant tracking systems).

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🏢 6. Notice the Company & Culture Signals

• Phrases like “entrepreneurial environment” or “collaborative team” hint at expectations beyond the tasks.

• Benefits and perks can also show whether they value work-life balance, professional growth, or hustle culture.

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📝 7. Align Your Resume & Application

• Mirror the language used in the description.

• Highlight quantifiable results that prove you’ve done similar work.

• If you lack one qualification, emphasize transferable skills.

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👉 A quick trick: Print the job description and highlight in three colors

• Green = You’ve got it (strengths to highlight).

• Yellow = You somewhat have it (frame with transferable skills).

• Red = You don’t have it (decide if it’s truly a deal-breaker).