It is important to analyze every job posting that catches your eye thoroughly before you apply. By breaking each job posting down into smaller sections and carefully analyzing them, you can decipher if the employer’s needs align with what you have to offer. Taking time to dissect each job posting can seem time consuming, but will help you to avoid wasting time applying for jobs that aren’t a good match.

I am going to use the job posting below, from the Business Talent Solutions webpage, as an example of how dissecting and analyzing a job posting can help you to determine if you should apply for a job or move on to other opportunities.

 

Manager – Wealth Management Firm $55,000    

Seattle

 

Retirement of a valued employee creates this opportunity at a small, north end, wealth management firm. As the right hand to the owner you will answer phones, assist with updates to accounts, schedule quarterly client meetings, reconcile accounts and post transactions.  Your attention to detail and ability to independently problem-solve are valued skills at this well -run firm.

You have:

  • Experience in a similar administrative role
  • Great client service skills
  • Acuity with numbers
  • Confidence in your MS Office Skills

Enjoy 100% paid medical benefits, employer matched 401K, PTO, free parking and well as flex-time. Any banking or financial sector experience would be very helpful here.

 

To apply please forward your resume to apply@businesstalentsolutions.com

 

 

  1. Manager- Wealth Management Firm $55,000 Seattle

A job posting’s heading is used to attract candidates to take a closer look at the job description, and typically highlights a few important details that will make the job seeker want to learn more about the position. Most are short and direct; and like this posting, include the position, industry, wage and general location. If the areas highlighted in the heading aren’t a match for what you are looking for, keep searching.

 

  1. Retirement of a valued employee creates this opportunity at a small, north end, wealth management firm.

The opening sentence of this job posting gives insight into the culture of the company. It describes a small company that values its employees, which is evident by reflecting positively on the employee who previously held the position. In addition, keywords like “small” can signify a close-knit work environment and a culture unlike that of a large company. It’s also important to note that this sentence clarifies where in Seattle the job is located. It’s amazing what you can decipher about a company from one sentence, isn’t it?

 

  1. As the right hand to the owner you will answer phones, assist with updates to accounts, schedule quarterly client meetings, reconcile accounts and post transactions.

The second sentence of this posting describes the deliverables aka the work that you will be expected to complete through the day to day functions of the job. Before submitting your resume, consider if these are tasks that you have experience with and are comfortable completing. It is also important to reflect on what being “the right hand to the owner” would mean for you in your career and if you are comfortable communicating and working in that type of supporting role.

 

  1. Your attention to detail and ability to independently problem-solve are valued skills at this well -run firm.

While looking through any job posting, it is important to pay attention to words that can help you identify what the employer is looking for in a job candidate. In this sentence, my eye is automatically drawn to the word “independently”. Not only are you expected to problem solve in this position, but you are also expected to have the confidence to do so independently. This employer is not looking for an employee who needs or wants to be micromanaged.

 

  1. You have:
  • Experience in a similar administrative role
  • Great client service skills
  • Acuity with numbers
  • Confidence in your MS Office Skills

This portion of a job posting is meant to give you a brief outline of the skills, education and experience that are required of candidates who want to be seriously considered for the position. While you don’t necessarily need all of these, you should have a firm grasp on most of them if you plan on applying for the position. If you do choose to move forward in the application process, you can utilize this portion of the job posting by structuring your cover letter and resume to reflect your competence in these areas.

 

  1. Enjoy 100% paid medical benefits, employer matched 401K, PTO, free parking and well as flex-time.

Pay attention to any benefits mentioned in job posting as they can tell you even more about the culture of the company. In this posting, it is evident from the benefits listed that they try to encourage a positive work/life balance and try to make sure that their employees are satisfied with their company.

 

  1. Any banking or financial sector experience would be very helpful here.

If the job posting mentions any experience that is desired (but not required), it is telling applicants that if they have that additional skill or experience, they will have a leg up on the competition. If you have an additional skill set or experience that is “helpful here”, make sure that you include it on your cover letter and resume.

 

  1. To apply please forward your resume to apply@businesstalentsolutions.com

This portion of the job posting is crucial for job candidates. Not only does it put you in contact with the poster, but the contact information also gives you a way to research the company that created the job posting. In this case, you would be able to do a Google search on Business Talent Solutions and decide if you would be comfortable working with one of their recruiters to figure out your next career move.

 

Since all job postings are unique, it is important that you take the time to analyze each one that attracts your interest. Not only will this help you to gauge if you would be a good fit, but it will also ensure that you are spending your time applying for jobs that will best align with your career path.