Is That Job Ad Really Worth My Time?

Knowing when to apply and when to move past a job ad can save you a lot of time and effort during your job search. It only takes a few moments and possibly a quick Web search to tell a winner from a dud. Use these tips to learn how to evaluate job postings and move yourself closer to getting hired.

Watch Out for Blind Ads

If you find a job ad with no employer or contact person listed, it's likely that responses go straight to an applicant-tracking system. At that point, unless you are the ideal candidate, you're unlikely to get a response. Blind ads are typically put out by recruiters or large corporations with little concern for getting to know their employees. Save yourself some time, and pass on these types of ads.

Avoid Ads With Long Lists of Qualifications

Likewise, avoid job ads that include long, detailed lists of the specific qualifications for the job, especially if those qualifications include terms such as "computer literate" and "self-starter." These are skills that nearly anyone could put on a resume. A long list of requirements is another sign of a company that doesn't have time to get to know its employees. Unless you enjoy being just another face in a cubicle, move along, and spend your time elsewhere.

Look for a Conversational Tone

On the other hand, a conversational tone in a job ad suggests that someone really cares about the talent the company hires. If the job ad actually tries to sell the job by using specific features and benefits, that's even better. These are the kinds of job ads that make you want to find out the name of the person responsible for hiring and send her a personal letter and copy of your resume.

Do Some Research

After finding a job ad that has an employer listed and presents a conversational tone, check out the company's website. From the website, you can get a feel for the company culture. Does it seem like a place you'd want to work? Go to LinkedIn to check out the profiles of some of the company's employees. Don't rule out a job simply because of a single bad entry, but if many of the profiles feel like a poor fit with your personality, it might be better to look elsewhere.

Remember Your Priorities

Review your personal goals for both your next job and your career. Think about what types of promotions are available at the organization. Getting hired is only the first step in your relationship with the company. Does it have a high turnover rate? If it does, it might not be the best choice if you want a long-term, stable position. Is the company financially stable or growing? A declining company might not be able to offer regular raises and is more likely to decrease benefits in the future.

Evaluate job ads using your own personal priorities and by considering how likely it is that a real person will review your application. Pass over impersonal job ads that don't list a company or contact person. Ads with a friendly tone that work to sell the job are more worth your time.

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