How to Read a Job Description the Right Way—So You Can Stop Sending Resumes Into the Void (The Muse)

When’s the last time you read a job description? If you’re currently job hunting, your immediate answer might be something like “last night” or “a few minutes ago.” But ask yourself: When’s the last time you really read a job posting, taking the time to absorb every word and truly reflect on the content? Your answer might be different.

“A lot of job seekers will do a cursory glance [at] a job description and then apply, without ever thinking about or referring to the job description again,” says Muse career coach Jennifer Fink, CEO and founder of Fink Development. It’s easy to fall into this kind of rhythm, especially when you’re trying to apply to as many openings as you can. But “this is a mistake,” Fink says—one that can prolong your job search or cause you to miss out on a job you might have loved.

Thoroughly reading every job description, noting certain information, and using it the right way can not only lower the number of applications you need to submit to land a job, but also increase your chances of getting interviews, help you prepare for those interviews, and ensure you can make an informed decision about whether a job is right for you.

Click here to read the full article by The Muse.

By Melissa Salva
Melissa Salva Executive Director, Undergraduate Employer Relations & Operations