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Understanding Job Postings

Job postings can be tell you a lot, both from what is included and what is not. A good job ad gives details about the job, the company, skills and qualifications the employer is looking for, and how to apply
It is important to read each job posting carefully to understand what the job is about and if it is a good fit for you. Usually, they include the following information:

Job Title

Companies may use different terminology for similar positions. For example, a “Receptionist” at one company might be called an “Appointment Clerk” or “Office Reception Clerk” at another. Instead of looking at job titles, pay attention to the job duties, required skills and qualifications in the posting.

The Government of Canada Job Bank is a great resource on your job hunt. Here you are able to search different occupations and under the description heading you’ll find a list of related job titles. There is information on median wages, job requirements, similar occupations, and more.

Salary

In BC, as of November 1, 2023, all publicly posted positions must include the expected salary or salary range. This is part of the Pay Transparency Act. The Act states that employers cannot ask job applicants about their past salaries, or punish employees for asking about or sharing their pay rate with others.

Employment Type and Location

Since Covid-19, there are more options for how and where people can work. While most jobs are on-site, there are a few that offer work from home options. The posting should also mention if the job is full-time, part-time, casual, contract, or temporary.

Company Name and Description

This section is a chance for the company to explain their mission, values, culture, and goals. It may also describe what the work environment is like and if there are chances to move up in the company.

Knowing the name of the company where you might work is important for many reasons. In your job search it helps you learn more about the employer than what is in the job posting. For example, you can look up its history, and recent news to understand its culture and stability. You can also read reviews from current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor to learn about the work environment and management style.

This information can help you decide if the job is right for you, customize your application, and prepare for interviews.

Job Description

This is an overview of the main tasks, responsibilities, and expectations of the role. Often, employers use bullet points to list duties. A good job description can guide you, providing clear insights into what you’ll be doing day-to-day and what skills are needed for the job. Make sure the role lines up with your career goals and skill set, if not then the chances of success are low.  If you don’t like talking on the phone, a job where answering a phone is the main duty probably isn’t a good fit for you.

When targeting your cover letter, address points from the job description with examples on how you have preformed similar duties in the past.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

This is where the company will tell you what kind of experience, education, certificates, and skills they want in a candidate. They often list both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are learned through training and can be measured, for example diplomas, certifications, or typing skills. Soft skills are personality traits that show how you work and interact with others, for example problem solving, time management, and creativity. Try not to be discouraged if you don’t have all the exact qualifications. Most companies are willing to train you in hard skills if you have the right soft skills.

Benefits

Benefit packages can be what sets one employer apart from another.  A good benefit package shows that an employer cares about its employees, and gives insight into the company’s culture and values. For example, does the benefits plan use inclusive language? Does it include mental health care or extended medical for family? Do your values align with the company?

Application Instructions

It’s important to follow the application instructions carefully. Some businesses are very busy and don’t appreciate when people stop by without an appointment. Others enjoy meeting applicants in person. Some companies may have a long hiring process, while others keep it simple. Not all businesses ask for a cover letter, but some prefer to have one.

If the company wants you to fill out an application form, make sure you do it completely and accurately. If they ask you to email your resume, double-check that you’ve attached the correct file. Whether you’re applying online, by email, or in person, always be polite and professional. This leaves a good impression.

What to Watch Out for in Job Postings

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to be cautious about some things:

  • Entry-Level Jobs Needing Experience: Be wary if a job says it’s for beginners but asks for years of experience.
  • Sales Jobs without a Base Salary: If a commission sales job doesn’t have a base salary or asks you to buy supplies, be cautious.
  • Unrealistic Qualifications: If the list of required skills and experience doesn’t match the pay, it might mean the employer has unrealistic expectations or doesn’t know what they need.
  • Too-High Wages: If a job offers very high pay in relation to the position, it might be too good to be true.
  • Vague Job Descriptions: If a job description is unclear or confusing, the employer might not know what they want or you may sign up for more then you feel comfortable doing. It is a good idea to ask for more information during the interview.
  • Immediate Hiring or Personal Information Requests: If you get hired right away, with no interview, or they ask for personal details early on, it could be a scam.

If a job posting doesn’t give you a good feeling, or if you feel something is off, trust your gut.

Understanding job ads is a key part of looking for a job. The details given, or not given by the employer can help you decide if the job and company are right for you. This information can be very helpful during the application and interview, giving you a good idea of what the employer is looking for.

Good luck in your job hunt.

For support in your job search, contact your local WorkBC Centre.

Resources:

Government of Canada Job Bank, Job Profile Search – https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/career-planning/search-job-profile

Pay Transparency in B.C. – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equity/pay-transparency-in-bc

Glassdoor – https://www.glassdoor.ca/index.htm

Sources:

Zippia the Career Expert, “How to Read a Job Description (With Examples)”, August 22, 2024 https://www.zippia.com/advice/reading-job-descriptions/

LinkedIn, Fareern Shaikh, “A guide to decoding job descriptions”, August 22, 2024
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-decoding-job-descriptions-fareen-shaikh