Years ago, job advertisements were ways easier to decipher – their content was much simpler and it wasn’t hard to get the idea of what the suitable applicant should look like. Now, job seekers are challenged with a real jungle of different ad formats, content and sometimes incomprehensible means of expression. If you learn how to find your way through this jungle of “coded” information, your chances of finding and getting the job will inevitably improve.

There are several ways to handle job advertisements. Applicants can start by first narrowing the number of announcements to the ones that are of greatest interest and benefit in terms of professional realization. This can be done by choosing only several types of media – online job boards, newspaper ads, television or radio ads, etc. Pick the information channel that best suits the specifics of your career and your preferred position in the job hierarchy.

Also, pay attention to the language that the ad is written in. If the content is in French, German, Spanish, etc. and you feel you are not fluent enough, then don’t even bother applying. It is not rocket science to get the idea that proficiency in that language is a crucial requirement.

The next, and actually the most important aspect of the recruitment process, is the name of the job position. Automatically exclude advertisements that are not of interest to you or logically require education or experience that you do not have. However, do not eliminate job positions, whose wording you cannot immediately understand. Read carefully through the content and pay attention to the requirements, and only after that decide whether to apply or not.

A crucial word of advice – concentrate on the requirements for the job position. Go over them several times until you get the message hidden behind clichés as “communication skills” and “ability to work in a team”. Do not miss phrasings such as “flexible working time” – this may mean serious work load or even working through weekends.

Make sure you send all of the required documents. If the advertisement says a CV and recent photo, skip the traditional Thursday after-work drinks and go to get your photo taken. Do not wait to send your application till the last day of the indicated deadline – this may cost you the position.

I am sure there is much more to “deciphering” a job advertisement. What is certain is that details matter. So, read and listen carefully as this may get you employed.

For more articles and information on recruitment, go to http://www.recruitmentsector.com