Why It's Crucial To Read Job Descriptions Carefully

Do you find yourself skimming over job advertisements and applying for roles without fully understanding what is covered in the job description?

In every job search journey, there may be times where you find you are not hearing back from employers; while it can be tempting to pinpoint various reasons, including discrimination in the hiring process, it is helpful to first reflect if you conveyed that you have the qualities the employer is looking for, per the job description shared.

Reading the job description carefully can also aid in tailoring your resume for the role and your preparation for the interview – thereby increasing your chances for securing the role.

Here are some pointers to consider when you read job descriptions:

1. Determine if the job is a right fit
   
   

   Taking a few minutes to assess yourself honestly with the expectations for the role can help you optimise your time and focus efforts to apply for jobs that are worth pursuing.

   Before applying for a job, have a thorough understanding of the job description and what it means for you:

   • Job responsibilities: The first few listed points often describe the most essential functions of the role; can you see yourself performing this role daily?
   • Job requirements: Are there any gaps in meeting the required qualifications and experience? Evaluate if the gaps are critical and consider if they can be realistically addressed (e.g., through any relevant skills, plans to develop yourself further).
   • Other practical considerations: Don’t overlook factors such as the work arrangement and location; if they are not shared in the job description it’s useful to enquire during the interview.

   Be wary of vague job descriptions as it can suggest that the organisation may not have clear goals and expectations for the role, making it difficult to gauge if the job is a good fit for you. 

2. Adapt your resume to the job description
   
   

   Increase your chances of being shortlisted for the interview by tailoring your application to address what the hiring manager is looking for in the role – a resume that hits the key points covered in the job description will clearly convey your suitability for the role to the hiring manager.

   Here are some pointers for this, firstly:   

   • Match any skills, experience, and qualifications you have with the core aspects of the job description.
   • Sieve out keywords from the job description, such as technical skills (e.g., Microsoft Excel), soft skills (e.g., project management), qualifications (e.g., professional certificate), and experience (e.g., years of experience)

   After consolidating these bits of information, incorporate them into your resume and describe the impact you achieved by citing outcomes and numbers (if you have an accurate figure), for example, “spearheaded marketing efforts to publicise events, which reaped an increase in attendance by 50%”.

3. Tailor your interview preparation
   
   

   Drawing reference from the job description, you can prepare relevant examples and stories for answering interview questions. The STAR interview method is a helpful framework you can use to structure your narratives by laying out the:

   • Situation: Provide the details of the situation you were in.
   • Task: Describe what you had to accomplish. 
   • Action: Explain the actions you took to address the situation.
   • Result: Share about the outcomes your actions accomplished.

   Try to be specific as possible when hitting these four components in your story, while being mindful to not share too much information. The goal is to deliver a focused answer that is easy for the interviewer to follow along and understand.

Though the process of finding a job requires time and effort, reading job descriptions carefully is an important first step in helping you determine if the job is a right fit for you and increase your chances for securing the role.

For more job search tips, visit mycareersfuture.gov.sg.