Decoding Job Descriptions: What Employers Actually Need
Featuring insights from Edyta Liegman, Talent Acquisition Specialist.
Job descriptions are the first touchpoint between a candidate and an employer, yet they’re often written more like a “wish list” than a practical outline. Many hiring managers compile every skill they can think of into one posting, painting a picture of the “perfect candidate” who may not exist.
For job seekers, this often leads to confusion and self-doubt, causing many to rule themselves out of opportunities unnecessarily. In this article, Edyta explains how to decode job descriptions, identify roles that are a good fit, and approach the job market with greater confidence.
The Hidden “Must-Have” Skills
Not every requirement in a job ad carries the same level of importance. Once you find a role that interests you, it’s important to critically review the job description to determine which skills are truly “must-have” for the position.
Often, the most important qualifications are masked as “preferred” or “a plus,” but are actually indispensable for success.
For instance, if you’re seeking an Area Sales Manager role for the Spain region, you can reasonably assume that speaking Spanish and having strong sales skills are crucial, even if they aren’t directly listed in the job description.
For positions where the responsibilities are unclear and there’s overlap between functions, it can be especially helpful to review the LinkedIn profiles of current employees working at the company you’re targeting. Their backgrounds and experience often provide clearer insight into what the company really values in its hires.
Edyta also suggests candidates look beyond the job posting: exploring the company’s website, social media channels, and LinkedIn presence can reveal which skills and attributes matter most to the organization.
Job Decoding in Steps
Once you find a job that interests you, take a moment to ask yourself a few key questions before submitting your CV to ensure it highlights the right skills. Edyta offers a clear framework for decoding job ads:
- Understand your industry or niche: Quickly research the field and specific role to gain a general understanding of which skills are most valuable to employers.
- Identify must-have skills: Determine which skills are truly essential for the position and focus on showcasing these throughout your application process. Be flexible and ready to adjust your narrative if new information emerges.
- Spot patterns: Pay attention to repeated keywords, skills, or tools mentioned across similar job postings; they often indicate what employers prioritize. If a particular skill or tool comes up often, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency.
- Focus on responsibilities: Go beyond the list of tasks. Do you know what outcomes you’ll be responsible for delivering in the role?
- Align with business needs: Make sure you understand the company’s objectives and clearly communicate how your skills and experience can help achieve their goals.
- Align with company culture: If the organization values qualities like collaboration or innovation, highlight your relevant soft skills to show you’re a strong cultural fit.
Tailoring Your CV for Impact
A generic CV rarely resonates. Instead, Edyta recommends keeping two to three tailored CV versions, each focused on a different career path or skill set.
Each CV should then be customized with keywords and examples relevant to that specific role. Highlighting transferable skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving is especially valuable.
Additional strengths like regional experience are often overlooked on CVs but can provide a significant edge, particularly when your background is international or directly relevant to the position.
Even if technical gaps exist, these broader capabilities demonstrate readiness to adapt and grow. A knowledgeable recruitment consultant can help you identify the most relevant skills for the job, increasing your chances of landing an interview.
Advice for Life Sciences Applicants
In industries like pharma and biotech, hiring managers are detail-oriented and expect clarity. “If it’s not on paper, it might as well not exist,” Liegman warns.
It’s important to clearly outline the core skills relevant to your specific field, whether that’s biotech, pharma, or medical devices.
Be sure to highlight the products or therapeutic areas you have experience with, as well as the regulations you know. Regional coverage is also especially important to emphasize for senior or regulatory affairs roles.
If you have experience across both pharma and medical devices, tailor your CV to focus on the most relevant background for the specific application.
Documenting all relevant experience and communicating openly with recruiters can make the difference between being overlooked and landing an interview.
Ultimately, employers are not only seeking technical expertise but also energy, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit. Candidates who combine preparation with authenticity will stand out.
Why Strong Candidates Don’t Apply
Lengthy requirement lists can discourage applicants, especially those early in their careers, as many believe they need to meet every criterion to be considered. “That’s rarely true,” says Liegman.
Additionally, poorly designed portals and excessive administrative steps can deter candidates from applying.
Hiring managers understand that few candidates meet 100% of the requirements. More often, potential and adaptability outweigh perfection. Candidates who focus on core requirements and emphasize transferable skills, willingness to learn, and cultural fit stand out even if they lack some of the listed criteria.
Conclusion
Decoding job descriptions is about more than matching bullet points. By distinguishing must-haves from nice-to-haves, tailoring applications, engaging with recruiters, and recognizing red flags, candidates can approach the process strategically.
With the right mindset, job descriptions become less of a barrier and more of a guide toward meaningful opportunities.
