Too many people read job postings, but don’t know what the hiring manager is asking for in a candidate. Many times job seeker don’t receive the response they want from employers because they lack the knowledge, skills, education or experience. Before you apply for another job posting, ask yourself the following questions.
- Do I have the experience they are looking for? – Job postings will have the minimum years of experience the candidate must have. If the employer asks for 5 years of experience and you just graduated from college, or have 3 years of experience, then don’t apply for the position.
- Do I have the education the hiring manager is asking the candidate to have? – The posting will indicate the education level they would like you to have (i.e. high school diploma, some college, bachelors’ degree). If you did not graduate from a university or college and that is a minimum requirement, then your chances of getting an interview are substantially lowered.
- Do I have the specified qualifications? – Job postings will have the required qualifications the candidate must possess. Some postings will list 3 or 4 requirements while others will list 10 or more. Read this section carefully. This an excellent way to identify key words for your resume, and this section also provides you with a list of responsibilities you will be expected to complete. If your resume does not show achievements in most of these areas of responsibilities, then the hiring manager will not consider you the right candidate for the position.
Accurately reading a job posting is an important step in getting an interview. Don’t waste your time applying to positions when your qualifications do not meet what the posting is ask you for.
Good luck with you career search!
By Katrina Brittingham