Sometimes, the requirements are incredibly lengthy. Even more, if you have good experience in the field for that posting, you'll probably see that there are conflicting or "extra" requirements.
- A combination of skills and experience NO ONE has, like the webmaster/graphic designer/network engineer who also is a software developer!
- Request for more software, platforms or abilities than reasonable. (Call this a "wish list" as that is what we're talking about!)
- Mix of very old and very new technologies or skills that simply don't go together.
- Phrases like "As needed or When needed" as part of a requirement.
Important Note: Most people who post jobs have no clue how to do so effectively! Plus, many who write job descriptions don't know enough about what's REALLY needed. What results is this: Positions posted on Dice or Monster or Hotjobs, etc. that look impossible for anyone to be considered a candidate.
However, it's simply a case of "TMI" (Too much information.) Frequently, it can be a challenge to see where the "too much" comes in versus what really does make sense. That's the error of those who wrote this job posting, and not the REAL job requirements!
Some folks see these jobs and figure that by not matching most or all of the skills, etc. , "required" that they aren't qualified. Simply put, that's NOT true!
When you look at a long job posting that's in your field, see if you have 50% or more of what is being asked for. If you do, the next question to ask yourself is "could I learn the rest?" Chances are that for at least the "reasonable" things, you can because such ties into advancing your skills.
If you have interest, apply for the position!
(On the other hand, if the job asks you to fly aircraft, fix computer networks, train skydivers, write 3 new symphonies, restore Pompeii, climb every mountain over 20,000 feet, perform appendectomies and lead treasure hunting expeditions, well, that's a bit different!)
Simply put, if you have 50% or more of the skills, education and experience someone is looking for, you have a fair "shot" at the position. There's NO REASON to NOT apply. Based on the requirements posted, NO ONE is going to be fully qualified.
As a recruiter, I've often had clients who give me a "wish list." My question back to them is "what skills/experience must someone ABSOLUTELY HAVE for this position?" In responding, the employer normally gives me a list that is 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the original job description.
From this response, I have the right specifics to "aim for" in finding candidates.
What that means is that decision making types are looking for specific skills, etc. that are just PART of that long posting. If you can speak to the employer, ask that question I did above. If you can't, consider applying for the position, anyway!
1. It never hurts to try! (How much are they paying you for working in that job right now?)
2. You might be what they are looking for.
3. Chances are, you are at least a "close fit" to what they need.
4. Employers DO NOT get rid of good candidate resumes. If you are a "close fit" but "not quite," you are possibly someone they'd consider for a similar opportunity.
To paraphrase Elvis, "It's Now or Later."
You are a potentially viable candidate with 50% or more of what's being asked for in a LONG and overwritten job description. The question is, do they want to bring you in now or possibly later?
And the only way to make yourself known is to apply for that job.
The people who actually hire know what kind of person is REALLY needed.
Guess what? There's a reasonably decent chance it could be you!
The Dolphin
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