How To Decode A Job Description Like A Recruiter
Working in human resources and recruiting for a long time has taught me one thing: most candidates don’t see job descriptions the way recruiters do. Many people apply without reading the fine print, skimming over the details, and jumping straight to the “Apply” button. At the same time, recruiters are spending an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume, scanning for keywords that point to technical skills, relevant experience, and an overall understanding of the role. So let’s break down job descriptions piece by piece to help you see what recruiters are really looking for and how you can use that insight to your advantage.
Start With The Summary
This is where the company sets the tone. Most of the time, you’ll get an overview of the role’s purpose, key goals, challenges, and how it contributes to the bigger picture. It also gives you an idea about the type of candidate they’re hoping to attract.
Keep an eye out for terms that crop up often. These are clues about what the employer values most. Ask yourself:
- What type of candidate are they describing?
- What qualities or skills are they stressing repeatedly?
- Does this role speak to the kind of work I want to do?
If your experience matches what’s emphasized in the summary, reflect that language in your resume and cover letter. This is especially helpful considering that more than nine in ten Fortune 500 companies use some kind of applicant tracking system (ATS) to look for certain terms in resumes. The clearer your alignment with the role, the better your chances of making it past the initial screen.
Bonus tip: Take note of the tone and style, too. How formal or casual does it sound? Does the posting emphasize teamwork and collaboration more than independence and working alone? These little cues give away a lot about the company’s culture. Match that energy in your application and let them know you speak their language.
Pay Attention To Responsibilities
This is where the real work shows up. The responsibilities section spells out what the role actually involves. This is pretty much the recruiter saying: hint, hint—this is exactly what you’d be doing.
So look closely at what’s listed:
- Does it mention any specific tools or applications?
- Will there be a lot of teamwork involved in completing the tasks?
Instead of just ticking off technical boxes, a more strategic move is to connect your strengths to the responsibilities listed. If the role calls for strong leadership skills and you have extensive experience managing teams, be sure to mention it.
Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight what’s relevant. The closer the fit, the better your chances of getting through the door.
Bonus tip: Use this section to figure out the “day-to-day reality” of the job. Then ask yourself: Can I picture myself doing this? Do I like doing this? Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy doing it every day for the next few years. Fit goes both ways.
Requirements Aren’t All Required
Despite the name, this section isn’t always set in stone. You can think of it more as a list of nice-to-haves. No one meets every requirement.
That said, pay attention to the things that you can’t do without, like specific technical skills or certifications. Everything else is a bonus. For instance, if the job description specifies five years of experience but you have only had four years of relevant work experience, it’s likely that your otherwise qualified application will still be considered. The same goes for educational requirements. If your degree is comparable to what the employer is looking for, that’s often enough.
As you read through this section, ask yourself:
- Will my qualifications and experience align with their priorities?
- Where do I come close, and how can I show that I’ve done something similar?
- Are there transferable skills I can highlight to fill in any gaps?
- Would I genuinely want to do this kind of work every day, long-term?
Bonus tip: Don’t disqualify yourself too quickly. If you meet the basics and feel excited by the role, just apply. Most of the time, being able to learn, change, and grow in a role is more valuable than being able to do everything right from the start.
Knowing how to break down a job description will help you make a more targeted and compelling resume that meets the needs of each employer. Every word becomes a clue, and every section is an opportunity to stand out. So use it. Tailor your story, show them you’re the fit, and turn that job posting into your next big opportunity. Rooting for you!
