alb-retrade
01.11.2014, 21:21
The Laughable Job Post: Absurdity in the Modern Job Description
Current job seekers have probably uncovered at least a few impossible job postings. These descriptions typically contain long lists of job requirements, demand unrealistic workloads, and offer much to be desired in the compensation department. An unfortunate effect of a lukewarm hiring environment is that these types of postings become more prevalent. So, what should you do when you want to apply for a job opening, but the specifications are over the top?
To begin to answer this question, we first have to understand why employers create such ridiculous postings in the first place. There are three principle reasons:
1. The Employer Is Inexperienced (or Incompetent) at Hiring.
Not every business, firm, or other organization has a top-flight HR team. At many companies — particularly smaller ones — the hiring is handed off to people with little or no experience writing job descriptions.
All too often, postings are thrown together based on unrealistic wish lists, rather than practical data and analysis. These employers aren’t intentionally being ridiculous: they just don’t know better.
2. Employers Are Willing to Wait for the So-Called “Perfect” Candidate, Whether or Not the Person Exists.
In cases like this, companies won’t compromise for second best, so they create an exaggerated wish list and hope.
Also, advertising online is cheap, so employers can inexpensively post multiple ads over time with little downside. By aiming high they hope to cultivate higher quality applicant pools that they can tap into at a later date.
3. The Ad Is Actually a Phantom Posting.
Labor rules don’t require employers to post openings they have, but many companies do. Unfortunately, this means that managers sometimes intentionally write job descriptions ways that discourages outsiders from applying so that a well-qualified insider will be more likely to get the position.
Moving back to the original question, how should you respond to this kind of posting? Here are several suggestions:
Tap into your network for insider information about the job opening. Try to find someone who works at your target employer and ask that person whether the listed requirements are really required.
Apply the 70 percent rule. That is, consider applying if you come close to meeting about 70 percent of an employer’s stated specifications and salary range. While the employer wants the person who gets hired to have all (or most) of the skills and experience listed, it’s also looking for candidates who’ll be a strong fit with the organization. In fact, soft skills are often the deciding factor in who gets a job. So, if you have 70 percent of what is listed in the job posting and an abundance of the soft skills the employer desires, you still have a reasonable shot at getting an offer.
Tailor your resume. Customizing your resume is always a wise idea, but it’s especially important when a job description is filled with specific demands and expectations. By highlighting accomplishments and adding keywords that match the requirements, you will stand a better chance of getting noticed.
Avoid the online screening process. Applying for a job online is rarely the best way to land a job, so do what you can to apply in person. Send your resume directly to the hiring manager, or network your way into the company through a personal referral. If the post says you must submit your application online then do so, but be sure to supplement your efforts with other methods.
If you apply for a job but don’t hear back, check in with the employer after a month or two. By reminding the hiring manager that you’re still interested in the job, you may prove to them that you are the ideal candidate after all.
Current job seekers have probably uncovered at least a few impossible job postings. These descriptions typically contain long lists of job requirements, demand unrealistic workloads, and offer much to be desired in the compensation department. An unfortunate effect of a lukewarm hiring environment is that these types of postings become more prevalent. So, what should you do when you want to apply for a job opening, but the specifications are over the top?
To begin to answer this question, we first have to understand why employers create such ridiculous postings in the first place. There are three principle reasons:
1. The Employer Is Inexperienced (or Incompetent) at Hiring.
Not every business, firm, or other organization has a top-flight HR team. At many companies — particularly smaller ones — the hiring is handed off to people with little or no experience writing job descriptions.
All too often, postings are thrown together based on unrealistic wish lists, rather than practical data and analysis. These employers aren’t intentionally being ridiculous: they just don’t know better.
2. Employers Are Willing to Wait for the So-Called “Perfect” Candidate, Whether or Not the Person Exists.
In cases like this, companies won’t compromise for second best, so they create an exaggerated wish list and hope.
Also, advertising online is cheap, so employers can inexpensively post multiple ads over time with little downside. By aiming high they hope to cultivate higher quality applicant pools that they can tap into at a later date.
3. The Ad Is Actually a Phantom Posting.
Labor rules don’t require employers to post openings they have, but many companies do. Unfortunately, this means that managers sometimes intentionally write job descriptions ways that discourages outsiders from applying so that a well-qualified insider will be more likely to get the position.
Moving back to the original question, how should you respond to this kind of posting? Here are several suggestions:
Tap into your network for insider information about the job opening. Try to find someone who works at your target employer and ask that person whether the listed requirements are really required.
Apply the 70 percent rule. That is, consider applying if you come close to meeting about 70 percent of an employer’s stated specifications and salary range. While the employer wants the person who gets hired to have all (or most) of the skills and experience listed, it’s also looking for candidates who’ll be a strong fit with the organization. In fact, soft skills are often the deciding factor in who gets a job. So, if you have 70 percent of what is listed in the job posting and an abundance of the soft skills the employer desires, you still have a reasonable shot at getting an offer.
Tailor your resume. Customizing your resume is always a wise idea, but it’s especially important when a job description is filled with specific demands and expectations. By highlighting accomplishments and adding keywords that match the requirements, you will stand a better chance of getting noticed.
Avoid the online screening process. Applying for a job online is rarely the best way to land a job, so do what you can to apply in person. Send your resume directly to the hiring manager, or network your way into the company through a personal referral. If the post says you must submit your application online then do so, but be sure to supplement your efforts with other methods.
If you apply for a job but don’t hear back, check in with the employer after a month or two. By reminding the hiring manager that you’re still interested in the job, you may prove to them that you are the ideal candidate after all.