There is often more to a job post than what is written. When searching for a job, many job seekers become frustrated, not only because it can be a stressful process and finding the right position is challenging, but also because of what is written in job posts.

A job post is a job post, right? Not so fast. They can take many forms, and they can be much more than a company description, list of skill requirements and qualifications. This is the core of it, but they also offer insights and clues about the opportunity and whether or not it is a good fit for you. This is why you need to read between the lines when comparing job posts.

Nothing is 100% written in stone. There are must-haves, but there are also many skills and qualifications that can be learned once you get the position. The key is to ensure you have a large portion of the requirements.

Don’t be too concerned about job title. Companies create new ones all the time. Focus on the role, responsibilities and what you will be doing on a day-to-day basis.

It’s okay for your years of experience to vary from what is listed in a job ad. If a company says they want someone with 5 years of experience and you have 3+, you are good to go. They use experience as a means to ensure you have a certain level of experience.

Companies often provide a huge list of responsibilities when describing the role. This is done to give candidates a good overview of the position. Focus on the core responsibilities at the top of the list – these are the most important and most indicative of what you can expect.

If you have most of the skill requirements, you can pick up the rest on the job. Companies don’t expect you to have every skill they list.

Much of the information that is listed in a job posting can be lumped into one of three categories:

1. The must-haves: The first few things listed in each category are the must-haves. If you have the vast majority of these requirements, then it is a worthwhile position to apply for.
2. The preferred-to-haves: These are skills and qualifications that companies would like you to have, but they are not deal breakers. If you have these skills, make sure to note them in your application.
3. The good-to-haves: These are skills that can typically be added through the onboarding process and through training once you are hired. If you have them, great! If not, you can learn them.
   

Don’t let the wording or content of a job ad deter you from applying. If you feel as though it is a job you would like and feel as though you can do it, apply. Then, show the company what you can do in the job interview.