So that you’ve discovered an entry-level job description that appears promising. How do you be sure it’s value your time to use? The job description can inform you a large number, not simply concerning the function, however concerning the firm and tradition. Take the time to learn the job description fastidiously. Then, use the job description that will help you tailor your utility.
Breaking down the sections of a job description
Job title
The identical function sort can have very totally different titles at totally different corporations. For instance, Gross sales Growth Representatives (SDRs) can be referred to as Enterprise Growth Representatives (BDRs). Phrases like “supervisor” can be deceptive—are you anticipated to handle folks, or simply an space of labor? Concentrate on the job overview and the required key expertise to see what you’d truly be doing and in case you’re a match.
Firm description
You’re not simply seeing in case you’re a match for the job–you’re attempting to see if the job and firm is a match for you. How the employer talks about itself may give you a clue about their firm tradition: Do they use inclusive language? Do they use loads of jargon, or do they sound extra approachable? Are they on the lookout for somebody who “works nicely beneath stress,” or do they discuss work-life steadiness?
Employment sort
Is that this a full time job, half time job, or contract? As a contractor, you might be paid extra however have entry to fewer advantages, like medical insurance, and there could also be a hard and fast time period to your employment. (Use the Job Sort filter on Handshake to set these preferences).
Job location
Does the corporate have a distant work possibility, or will you need to go to the workplace full time? If it’s in an workplace, are you able to handle the commute, or be keen to relocate?
Job overview and duties
This part is the most effective place to study what is definitely anticipated of you within the function, and the way it suits into the remainder of the corporate. Make sure you learn this part and never simply the job title! Jobs with the identical title can have very totally different features in several industries and corporations of various sizes.
Required {qualifications}
This part lists the abilities, experiences, and/or certifications you might must be thought-about for the function. Abilities are normally listed in descending order of significance–essentially the most essential expertise for the function are listed first. Use the important thing phrases on this part to tailor your resume and canopy letter.
Despite the fact that the heading says “required,” this record describes the ideally suited candidate, who could not exist! For those who meet at the least 60-70% of the necessities, and you are feeling you’d excel within the function, apply anyway. (Use your judgment: don’t apply to a task that asks for fluency in Spanish in case you solely took Spanish 101.)
There may be a “most popular {qualifications}” part for expertise that are not necessary however would allow you to stand out from different candidates. When you have any of those nice-to-have expertise, you’ll want to spotlight them in your resume and canopy letter!
Analysis the corporate!
It’s all the time sensible to Google the corporate: Have they been within the information, for good or dangerous causes? Do you see any “inexperienced flags,” like profitable a “greatest place to work” award? What does their C-suite appear to be? Do they launch their variety information publicly?
You may also have a look at their social media profiles and Glassdoor web page (however remember that like all assessment websites, you’ll most likely hear solely from the happiest and unhappiest workers).
This data could make you extra enthusiastic concerning the function, or it may allow you to determine that the function isn’t for you. For those who do discover one thing that makes you excited to work there, say that in your cowl letter!
What’s the wage?
In an ideal world, a job description would record the wage vary. However, in case you don’t have that data up entrance, instruments like Glassdoor or Wage.com may give you an thought of what to anticipate. You may also ask your profession providers workplace to attach you with alumni in comparable roles, and ask them about their salaries instantly.
Learn how to spot a rip-off
Handshake screens listings to be sure you see solely respected jobs and employers. However you need to be prepared to identify a pretend or deceptive job description throughout your search. Some indicators to be careful for:
- Job descriptions which can be brief and imprecise.
- Jobs which have nearly no necessities listed.
- Postings that overpromise how a lot you possibly can earn. If a job sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Any job posting that requires a payment up entrance. Recruiters receives a commission by the corporate, not by the candidate!
- If a job is fee solely, or asks you to purchase stock up entrance, it is perhaps a posting from a multilevel advertising firm.
And keep in mind, by no means give out delicate private data (like your SSN) till you have got a proposal of employment.
Last examine earlier than you apply
Did you observe all utility directions appropriately?
Did you write a canopy letter or hyperlink to a portfolio, if the function asks for this stuff?
Did you tailor your resume?
Belief your intestine
If studying the job description offers you a way of dread, or the sensation that one thing is off—don’t apply! It’s not value it.
Photograph by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
