Ever watched a master carpenter examine wood grain before making their first cut? They're reading a language most of us miss – the subtle patterns that determine how the wood will respond to their tools. Today, we're going to develop that same discerning eye for job postings.
As a job seeker in 2025, you're facing a unique challenge. Job descriptions have evolved into carefully crafted marketing documents, designed to cast the widest possible net. But just like a craftsperson selecting materials, your success depends on your ability to read between the lines.
The Art of Reading What's Not Written
Let's take a look at a snippet of a fictional job post to put this into frame:
People-Growth is our Prized Passion! Are you looking for an opportunity to work in a rapidly growing and established company that does meaningful work? XYZ Company offers an exciting compensation plan with uncapped earnings potential. Top producers are making well over six figures. If you are a driven individual and have a passion for sales, XYZ Company will provide you with the resources, and training you need to be successful.
To the untrained eye, this could look exciting. But let’s get under the hood and look deeper:
"Fast-paced" could signal understaffed or poor work-life culture
Emphasis on “a driven individual” could indicate a lack of support. There’s training, but is there post-training support?
"Opportunity for tremendous growth" could indicate high turnover
"Unlimited earning potential" and a “passion for sales” could point to a compensation-heavy model of wages. Are you ok rolling the dice on that?
Developing Your Eye
Instead of taking job descriptions at face value, train yourself to ask questions along these focus areas:
Language Choices: How does the tone of the posting strike you? What buzzwords are use? Who is the post targeting with this verbiage choice?
What’s missing: Are hours and compensation mentioned? Are there vague promises of advancement without specifics? Does an emphasis on training mean this is a entry-level role?
Rigor: How hard is it to meet the qualifications? Is the bar too low? What do you think success will be judged on in this role?
Real-World Application
Let's put this into practice with another snippet:
Senior Developer (3 years experience) needed for exciting startup! Must be willing to wear multiple hats and thrive in ambiguity. Stock options available!
A craftsperson's reading reveals:
Title/experience mismatch (Senior usually requires 5+ years)
"Multiple hats" could suggest understaffing
"Thrive in ambiguity" likely means a lack of support
Stock options without mentioned base salary is a red flag
The Next Steps
Like any craft, this skill develops with intentional practice. The next time you’re looking for jobs, take a few notes:
Write down titles that appeal to your interests and background
Note initial impressions
Document patterns you notice
Track which interpretations proved accurate
What patterns do you notice? What questions arise? Share your insights in the comments below.
Remember: A true craftsperson doesn't just look for a job – they look for opportunities that will allow them to practice and grow their skills.
Want to dive deeper into the craft of career building? Our ebook There’s no Perfect Job offers expanded techniques for job search mastery, including templates, tools, and real-world case studies. Visit the Career-Craft store to learn more.