Have you ever stumbled upon what appeared to be a dream job only to be disappointed by the job description given with the posting?
Maybe it lists so many skills, you can’t decide which ones really matter or requires years of experience using a software that was just created. The problem is hiring managers are sometimes not involved in coming up with the job descriptions you read. So if you find yourself trying to decipher a vague job description, here are some things you can do to interpret them and customize your resume and cover letter accordingly.
Try to figure out what matters most.
Some job postings will list dozens of required skills. You may have some of these skills and not others and feel a little lost about which ones you should focus on in your resume or cover letter. Simply, look at the skills that are listed first. They are likely the most critical. Focus on these when writing descriptions on your resume or talking about experiences in your cover letter. In addition, research what you can about the company in terms of what they do to determine which skill sets might matter most to them.
Focus on tasks.
Even though it may be vague, it’s likely this unclear job description will still lists some responsibilities of the open position. Focus on this and not the job title or seniority level. Titles can be as vague as job descriptions. For example, a job title could include the word “specialist” but still be an entry level role. So since this can be confusing, just focus on what tasks you are being asked to perform and adjust your resume and cover letter to talk about experiences that show you can perform these responsibilities.
Just apply.
When a job posting is unclear and maybe even lists unrealistic expectations, apply even if you’re unsure you’d qualify. Women especially try to match their experience with 100% of what a company is looking for. Most job postings don’t list everything that matters in a position, so you may bring something to the table that would push your resume and cover letter over the edge and that isn’t in the posting. And if the job posting is poorly written, it’s especially important to apply and showcase your particular skills.
Do you know what else you can do if you encounter a vague job posting you don’t know how to respond to?
Go old school and pick up the phone. Most postings list some kind of general contact information that can lead you to a phone number. You can call the company and ask for the hiring manager or internal recruiter for the position because you are needing some clarification before sending in our resume and cover letter. The worst that can happen is no one answers your call.
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