The Importance of Reading Job Descriptions Thoroughly

The Importance of Reading Job Descriptions Thoroughly When job searching, we instinctively want to skip through most of the description and get straight to the application process. You want to skim through and fill out as many applications as possible. Well, I know first hand how important it is to read through the entire job description. After all, that is exactly what led me to the wonderful opportunity I have now.First, I would like to share my professional biography with you. It will give you a little bit of information about me and my story and I share with you how reading a job description thoroughly, made an impact. Perhaps it will help you land that interview at the company of your dreams.If you read my bio, you know that I am a mom of two toddlers. A couple of years ago, I decided to leave work to be a stay at home and care for my kids for awhile. I had a resume gap of about 2 years. When I decided to get back into the workforce, finding a job proved to be more difficult than I ever would have expected.While I was reading one o f the job listings, I noticed it said, “bonus if you can catch the typo in this listing.” I was able to catch the typo and I mentioned it in my cover letter when I applied. Because of that one little sentence, my application stood out among over 300 other applicants. It landed me my interview, gave me the chance to show who I am and why I would be a great fit for the role and that landed me my job.So, Why Does It Make a Big Difference to the Hiring Manager?Filtering Applications - Hiring managers can get hundreds of applications for each job posting. That little ‘bonus points’ question can help act as a quick filter through the applications.Proves you know the job - It shows the hiring manager that you read through the job description. You know what the job will entail. It proves that you read the responsibilities and qualifications needed for the job. It also shows that you applied because you believe that you are a good fit for the position.Why Is It Important to You?Narro ws Your Search - It helps you to narrow down jobs that you believe you are the perfect fit for based on the job requirements and your skills.Helps you stand out - Getting a rejection letter before you even get an interview can be very discouraging. When you mention something from the job post in your cover letter, it helps your application stand out amongst others.Saves you time - say you applied for a job but didn’t read the description and there were some responsibilities or job duties in the role that you don’t like. So you follow up with the hiring manager, even schedule an interview. After speaking, you realize that you don’t like what the job entails and the job is not a good fit for you. You wasted an hour of your time when you could have been applying for a job that better suits your experience, wants and needs.By reading job descriptions thoroughly, you give yourself the chance to catch something in the post that you can add to your cover letter. This helps your cover letter stand out. It could automatically put your application in the lead even before resume review.Reading a job description thoroughly can be the difference in whether the company considers you for the job. So the next time you are job searching, take the extra couple of seconds to read the entire job post. You may find a little ‘bonus point’ that will make all the difference to how your application will be seen by a hiring manager. I know it did for me.