How to crack the recruitment code

Reading between the lines is often the key to successful job hunting.

The jargon-heavy language of recruitment can sometimes be baffling and a little bit intimidating – so cracking the code is the secret to matching yourself to a perfect role.

Here at jobs24.com we’re experts at solving recruitment riddles.

And to help you be a winner, too, we’ve compiled a checklist to decipher whether a job is right for you.

Job titles

Bear in mind titles can have different meanings. An editorial assistant is not the same as an assistant editor. Try applying for the latter with the experience of the former, and you’ll discover why. More confusingly there are titles that can mean the same thing – like social media czar, which is a fancy name for a blogger. The key is to look beyond titles to the daily duties, required experience and level of responsibility.

Business buzzwords

Employers often ask for qualities such as passion or resilience but what do they really mean? To prove you’re passionate, don’t make OTT claims, instead specify what really interests you about the role. When it comes to resilience, what they really want is someone not afraid of knockbacks. Refer to an incident where you didn’t get it right first time but turned things round to your advantage.

Read the job spec

Phrases like ‘fast-paced environment’ and ‘team player’ sound clichéd but they offer clues as to the kind of office you’ll be working in. If you respond to tight deadlines and pressure, you’d be well suited in a fast-paced environment. If you’re a bit of a hermit, being a ‘team player’ could be more challenging.

You don’t have to be perfect

As a rule, if you can meet 80% of the job requirements, apply. After all, how many folks can tick every box? But if a particular skill is asked for, you need to have it. It’s no good applying for a job as an electrician if all your previous experience and qualifications are in accountancy.

Bang on the money

If you’re unsure whether the role has the right level of seniority for you, look at the salary. Graduate jobs are not always flagged up as such but the pay scale is the best indicator. If the job you’re considering comes with a huge salary jump, consider whether you’re perhaps missing out stepping stone roles.

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Posted on February 26, 2018