Do you actually read job descriptions before applying?
Gavin Yerxa
12 replies
If you've been actively job hunting in the past 6 months, I'm curious what your process was.
Do you really read job descriptions before you apply? Do you feel like they give you a good sense of the company and role? Any other key frustrations in the process?
(For context, I'm beta-testing a platform that helps startups create video-based job descriptions—think 30 second IG stories—that help job-seekers get a real, unfiltered look at the company, team, and role). If anyone would be down to give feedback, I'd love to chat.)
Replies
Denislav Jeliazkov@denisjeliazkov
I've never read a job description.
Most of the applications I do is either for companies I admire and want to work at (job description is irrelevant) or I've been referred to.
Really been digging what TheBrowserCompany are doing over YT where they have these videos so makes me feel more connected to them, although I don't used their product even.
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@denislav_jeliazkov companies that make you feel part of the team have such a huge leg up in recruiting. It's not solely a recruiting function either to your point, it's leadership, it's marketing, etc..
Hiring great people is a long game, it makes sense that in the same way you'd nurture sales leads, you'd nurture your talent pipeline!!
Most job descriptions look the same, so I first skim for the few items I care about most (location, salary, minimum requirements to apply) and then only read more details if it seems like it could be a fit. Even then, I rarely read the first two paragraphs--just extract info that's actually relevant to the specific role
Totally, I read job descriptions, but they can be a bit dry sometimes. Your video idea sounds pretty cool - a real sneak peek into the job! Would be happy to check it out and share some thoughts.
Have re-entered a recruiting cycle for the first time in a while and noticed these things:
- I'll definitely read through requirements/responsibilities to scan for red flags (e.g. in a sales facing role, I don't want to be doing 200+ dials)
- salary transparency for NYC-based roles has been very important to my decision on putting together a cover letter/not
But for actually digging in on a company, I prefer going through the site myself and doing my own due diligence than reading a blurb.
Before interviews I'll actually check out all the materials a hiring manager sends over about company culture, announcements, product launches, etc.
Check out Altru as a company that operated in this space with an adjacent product before: https://www.icims.com/company/ne...
Yes, always read the description and about the company.
I only read the tech stack tbh, that's where it gets juicy haha 😅
Definitely! I believe this is crucial. They provide vital insights into the role, qualifications, and company culture. By carefully reviewing them, you can assess alignment, tailor your application, and stand out from the competition.
yeah everytime