Five methods for understanding confusing job ads

There comes a time in every student’s life when they must give up their dreams of winning the lottery and settle for a ‘real job’ or internship. It’ll be hard, tears will be shed, but with much work, determination, and squinting, you too will be able to apply for what mightbe your dream job. To help you on your way, your friendly neighbourhood me is here with five ways to help you decode some of those more confusing job ads.

Look beyond the lingo

Recruiters love to use industry-specific words in job ads, usually to make sure that the person applying for the job has a least a general knowledge of their industry. But recruiters are also looking for ways to weed out those who are seriously looking for a job as opposed to those whose fingers slipped and accidently hit the apply button on Seek.

Don’t be scared off by these industry terms or concepts. If you look between the lines and analyse the terms in the same way you try to decode confusing assignment questions, things should become clear. If all else fails, ask a trusted lecturer, tutor or more experienced friend if they can give you a low-down on the industry’s lingo. Hey, at least you’ll learn something now.

“Minimum 2-3 years’ experience” – it’s not really a grad job, they just want to pay you a grad rate

It’s the oldest trick in the book and the subject of countless memes from all corners of the internet. Take these words on a job ad as more of a suggestion than a set-in stone requirement. Recruiters will often describe the traits of the perfect candidate in an effort to attract said candidate, but this Adonis of the workplace isn’t always a reality. Don’t lie about your lack of experience, but also don’t be disheartened and think you can’t apply for the position either. If they’re advertising the job as a grad position, they’ll probably expecting grads to apply.

Don’t be scared off by buzzwords

I’ll be the first to admit that words like entrepreneurial and dynamic plastered all over a job ad often warrants a second glance. Luckily, these kinds of words are usually a code for something much simpler and easier to understand. Entrepreneurial could simply mean that they want somebody who is proactive in their position, while being dynamic in this context often means being able to multitask like a boss. Which you should have covered if you have the ability to watch Netflix and write an essay at the same time.

Recommended skills are exactly that

We’ve all stumbled across a job ad with a hefty amount of recommended skills that just seem way too specific for a grab job or internship. We immediately click away because ain’t nobody got time for that. But recommended skills are exactly that – it’s an added bonus if you’ve got ‘em but if you don’t, there’s still a good chance of you getting the job. Recommended skills are always something you can learn on the job.

Research the company

Is the company you’re applying for a hip, new start-up full of creative young thangs, or is it a big corporation who just wants you to turn up every day and do your job well? These different types of companies will often use completely different buzzwords and language in their job ad. Do a bit of research on the company you’re applying for, as this may help to give the buzzwords a new meaning when read in context.

Be confident, don’t let your nerves take over, and soon you’ll be decoding job ads and winning interviews like a pro. You’ve just got to believe, friends.

Shannon Coward

Shannon is a third year Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts student at the University of Queensland. She enjoys period dramas, doughnuts and a good nap.

Feature image: Giphy

Promo and digital signage image: Younger official Facebook page