A Perfect Match? How to Know if the Job is Right for You

You've visited online job boards and clicked on the career pages of your favorite companies and organizations. You’ve finally found what appears to be the perfect opening.

Don’t judge a job by its title. 

Before you apply, dissect the job post to the test to be sure it’s right for you.

Copy the post then paste the post in question into a new MS Word document. Use the “Text Highlight Color” icon (under the Home tab in Word 2010)  to make important aspects of the job post stand out, as if you highlighted them with a marker.  Select words and phrases that strike you as important, such as job duties, requirements, interesting aspects of the company description, and so forth. Highlight salary and job location, too, if this information is available.

Then, walk away for a few hours. When you return, ensure you didn’t miss highlighting something of importance. Read the post over one more time and highlight those items that strike you. 

Once you finish, examine them.  Make any necessary notes for yourself on how your experience and education commiserates with your highlighted statements. For example, if the job post in question requires CPR certification, include a note with the date and type of certification you possess.  If you have related information on the topic, like first aid in this instance, be sure to note it, too.

Does the post list qualifications you don’t meet? Perhaps you don’t have college education. Make note when you lack credentials and take some time to list career experience or training that may make you equally or more qualified for the position in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Regardless of the job title, it’s smart to search the post for patterns. For example, is the term “team” used heavily? How many times? An independent worker who enjoys meeting challenges and deadlines in solitude should not expect to find fulfillment in the long run. Likewise, a creative leader looking for an opportunity to apply her skills and talent in the marketing world should steer clear of any posts hinting of canned messaging.

Finally, make one last sweep, confirming the more obvious details. Does the job pay what you deserve? Is it located in a geography with which you are comfortable? Do the hours fit your lifestyle?

Spending a little time examining the post in this manner is a good investment in your future. Think of all the frustration you will save yourself.

Sure, you may prove to meet all of the qualifications for the job in question, but what good is it if, after a little discretion, you discover the job fails to meet yours.