Job Postings- Truth or Fiction

Job Postings- Truth or Fiction Writing job descriptions and job postings is not an exact science.   There  are training courses, research and studies that define  necessary steps and  elements of writing an effective job description. Then there is the marketing spin that is incorporated in writing the posting to make the company and position sound attractive. Do Employers Know What They Are Looking For? The critical element  in writing  the  posting is based on the employer knowing what they are really looking for.    Do they? Do they  say, I want to hire  someone just like the last  person who was in this job, only better. Or maybe they say Why dont we create a wish list of what we would like and see what we get. Or they might even say, Well just write this posting based on the background and experience of Sally, who well be promoting into the job. Why is this important to you? When writing  your resume, I recommend using the job posting as a guide for what to say and the key words to use. However,   it is important to remember that the employer might not always know what they are exactly looking for.   You may not have all the key words or skills they are asking for, apply anyway.   If you have 50+% of what the job is asking for- apply. Networking Sheds Light Also bear in mind, that the employer may not have  listed skills in the posting that are important to the job.   We cant know this unless we have inside information about the company.   This is why networking with company insiders is so incredibly valuable.   You may be able to uncover skills or a problem that wasnt addressed in the job posting. The process of hiring is extremely risky and extremely personal.   The resume needs to present you both as a sure-fire solution to their problems (skills and accomplishments) as well as someone who is easy to like and get along with (traits).