How long do you actually spend reviewing the job posting? If your answer is less than 60 seconds, it’s time to invest more time and attention!
Spend More Than 60 Seconds Reviewing the Job Posting
Today’s job seekers often rush through job postings, but with strains on talent acquisition/recruiters, remote work trends, and a greater emphasis on skills, careful review of the job posting is more important than ever.
Make sure you take the time to thoroughly review the entire job posting for keywords, job location, and qualifications.
TIP: Optimize your resume and ensure your application fits the role to help your qualifications stand out.
Applicants Are NOT Qualified
63.3% of employers said they receive too many unqualified applicants when hiring through a job board or recruiting platform according to iHire’s “2024 “State of Online Recruiting 2024“.
And there are several reasons why there are so many unqualified applicants. A 2023 survey by SHRM asked recruiters what candidates were doing wrong. Here are three potential reasons:
- Job descriptions are too broad and open to interpretation by both recruiters and applicants.
- Applicants lack an understanding of position requirements and distinctions between entry-level, intermediate, and advanced roles.
- Candidates applying to positions requiring a wide range of expertise, hoping the recruiter will identify which of their skills provide the “best fit”
I’ll add one more: Mass applying to jobs using AI tools that supposedly customize your application for each job.
The takeaway is that job seekers should spend more time reviewing qualifications and responsibilities to ensure their resume addresses the requirements requested in the job opening.
It is equally important to follow instructions on how to apply and any other instructions provided.
Job Postings Stink, But…
Not all job postings are well-written or thorough. In other instances, it may feel like the company is looking for a unicorn. Either way, you can’t change that, but you can perform your due diligence and thoroughly review and absorb all parts of the job posting before you submit your customized resume and company-specific cover letter.
Use Relevant Key Words
Talent acquisition/recruiters will scan or search your resume for keywords. Keywords are for hard skills, technology, certifications and processes or procedures. Therefore, It’s important to review the job posting thoroughly to make sure you have as many as ethically possible in your resume.
Here’s an example of a job posting with highlighted keywords. Keywords vary by industry, job and employer. This is why it’s so important to carefully review each job posting.
TIP: You can use a prompt like the following in ChatGPT or Claude.ai to identify keywords or important terminology from the job posting which are not in your resume.
Prompt: Acting as a recruiter, using the job posting pasted below, what key skills are missing from my attached resume?
Generative AI for Application Assistance
Another great advancement for job seekers is access to advanced generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, that can help craft resumes, cover letters, and even prepare for interviews. While using these tools can save time, it’s still important to ensure the application is customized and personal.
AI can assist, but it shouldn’t replace thoughtful engagement with the job posting.
Apply To The Right Level Jobs
Use the information below to help you understand how years of experience translate to position level. If you apply for a job you are either over- or under-qualified, you’re cover letter will need to explain why you are interested and qualified in the role.
- 1-3 years is usually considered entry-level. Low pay
- 4-9 years is mid-level. Mid-level pay.
- Over 10 years usually indicates a senior-level position. Higher level-pay.
Highlight Skills Over Years of Experience
Many employers are shifting focus toward skills like adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to work in diverse and fast-paced environments. Pay attention to the skills listed in the job posting and highlight those in your resume and cover letter, even if your years of experience don’t match perfectly.
DO NOT SELF ELIMINATE! If you have more than 60% of what the job posting is requiring, then apply.
Verify Location & Work Parameters
Job postings today often specify remote, hybrid, or on-site expectations. Before applying, ensure the working arrangements match your preferences. If remote work is an option, be sure your resume conveys your ability to work effectively in a virtual environment.
Salary Transparency
One of the best things to happen in recent years is that many job postings now include salary ranges due to increasing transparency laws.
When reviewing the job posting, be sure to check the salary range to ensure it meets your expectations before applying. If the posting doesn’t mention a range, do your research to see if it could potentially be a good match. In this instance, you will ask about compensation during the interview process.
Conduct Company Research
Before you apply, go one step further and research the company. Use resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and/or Comparably to research a company’s culture, leadership, and employee reviews. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses to better align with the company’s values and goals.
Follow The Jop Posing Instructions
If you’ve reached this point, then there’s good chance you are ready to submit your application and resume. Following instructions is one way to show how you would perform on the job. Be sure to deliver your resume and materials as the employer has requested.
Submit your resume in the format/method requested.
Some companies may ask for your resume in a .docx format. Others may specify they want a .pdf. And some may ask that you email your resume or apply on a specific website. Follow the instructions provided in the job announcement.
A request for additional information.
Some job postings may request salary requirements, references, or work samples. And some employers may request video applications or review your digital presence. Make sure your LinkedIn profile, personal website, and even video introductions reflect your professional skills and are aligned with the job you’re applying for. If you decide NOT to submit the requested information, explain why you are not supplying this information at this time but that you will be happy to supply it when the interview is scheduled.
Understand How Recruiters Think
While there are many facets of the application process that are within your control, there are still some things you can’t control, but DO need to understand. Let’s get into the head of recruiters so you can understand how they are evaluating your application and resume.
Recruiters are under a lot of pressure, often with too many open job requisitions. But they are on the front line reviewing resumes. This means they don’t have much time or energy to try and figure out how a resume aligns with the job. Let’s make their jobs easier by clearly connecting the dots to show them our the skills and experience match many of their requirements.
And don’t believe all the talk about how applicant tracking systems (ATS) are tossing out your resume. Yes, your resume may get scanned into the ATS so keep your formatting simple. But, no ATS is being asked to eliminate resumes. (There are instances where the ATS is programmed to ask you a knock out question, like “do you have a bachelor’s degree”). If you ask any recruiter they will tell you that they at least look at every resume submitted.
There are other factors your application will face and you should be aware of such as:
- Your resume will face a lot of competition. You will be one of hundreds of applicants.
- It often takes hundreds of applicants to reach a single hire.
- A recruiter’s first review of a resume lasts seconds (often on their phone). Make your resume easily skimmable and include relevant keywords.
- A resume that isn’t in a simple format may not upload into the ATS correctly.
- Most recruiters will check your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it is up-to-date and accurate. Better still, it should explain more than your resume does about your work experience.
The Bottom Line
The time you invest to review the job posting requirements will allow you to fine-tune your resume and this makes it easier for the recruiter who reads it to understand if you are qualified for the job.
It’s important to remember that a resume only gets you an interview. You still need to practice and prepare for job interviews.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
