How Important Are Job Requirements in a Job Description

Searching for a suitable new job can be a time consuming activity. Job titles are often nondescript. Luckily, job descriptions give more information about what to expect. There is usually information about the company and information what the employer has to offer to the potential new employee. And there are often overviews or necessary requirements. Sometimes the lists seem never ending; at times the requirements just contradict each other. Other descriptions mention so few skills that almost anyone fits the profile. A vacancy without any requirements is rare and a bit fishy to be honest.

Besides giving an impression of what is necessary to execute the job well, requirements help job hunters in deciding whether they will apply for it. A well-written overview of the hard and soft skills makes it easier toform an impression ofwhat is expected of the candidate.

There is a danger whenreading requirements though, and that is making assumptions. Although the details are there to help you, reading them does not always guarantee understanding what the employer has in mind.

Hard skills, like education degrees, certificates, or programming are straightforward, and candidates either possess them or they donot.Yet they are not always clear. Dutch vacanciesoften indicate what level of education a candidate should possess, but it often remains vague, for exampleHBO/WO. These two levels of education cannot be compared easily. HBO is more practically orientated whereas WO studies are more researched based. The vacancy is not addressing either.

This vagueness is most apparent in the soft skill requirements. Often adjectives and adverbs are used to emphasise the skills, making it look rather impressive. Much like the advertisements on TV. They do not add much useful information, but they do stimulate making more assumptions: good communication skills; good attention to detail; work well under deadlines; excellent IT skills and to be able to think outside the box. (That last one is my all time favourite.)

Everyone has a notion of what good communication skills are. Combine the requirement with the position of customer service and the concept of good communication skills becomes is even more specific. It is the logical thing to do, but it is best to check whether the assumption is correct by verifying it with the HR contact provided.

This is a time consuming activity, but it will increase the chances of being considered as a potential candidate. By calling the contact one has a chance to show one’s genuine interest in the company and in the offered position. The information given during the conversation can offer interesting aspects to return to in cover letters. And more importantly, the chances are very likely that the conversation will offer more genuine information about what kind of candidate they are looking for, which will help in deciding whether applying is useful.

Job requirements are useful parts of the job descriptions, but are often open to different interpretations. Being aware of this and knowing how to handle the assumptions can give one a head start in becoming a potential candidate.

Cecile Koster

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