Don’t Take Job Descriptions Too Seriously

I get a kick out of reading job descriptions. Some of the descriptions I see today read more like a laundry list of “nice to haves” rather than targeted skills that are the most relevant for the position. Everything but the kitchen sink comes to mind, when all you need is… the kitchen sink.

Did you ever see a description that reads like this:

Requirements: At least 3 degrees, MBA and two related undergraduate degrees. Candidate will preferably have a minimum of 15 years of schooling. Work-related experience is not as desirable.

Required skills:

Minimum of 10 years repairing toilets.
Minimum of 5 years changing that cheap plastic flap.
Minimum of 2 years replacing the cheap plastic pumps.
Must understand basic mechanics, such as turning water valve on and off, check for leaking metal tube connecting valve and toilet, and adjusting black ball for proper water level.
Minimum of 10 years repairing drains.
Minimum 8 years repairing leaking PVC elbows.
Minimum 5 years repairing garbage disposals.
Knowledge of the kitchen sink is not necessary.

Desired skills:

5 years experience as an electrical engineer
5 years experience with HVAC repairs.
5 years experience inspecting plumbing for new commercial construction.
2 years managing 25 or more plumbers.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Excellent presentation skills.
Experience balancing budgets and budget forecasting.
Experience using major financial packages.

Position: Plumber, with expertise in residential toilet repairs. 1099, independent contractor.

Benefits: None.

The example is a bit absurd, but no more so than some of the job descriptions I have read over the years.

If you are looking for a job, ask the recruiter exactly what the employer is looking for. If he doesn’t know, you are in trouble. In my somewhat ludicrous example, the employer simply needed a plumber to fix toilets. How many plumbers would have decided not to apply because of all the dissonance and noise in the description? Learn the signal to noise ratio when reading these things.

Do not be intimidated by what an employer is asking for. If you think you have the core skill set, present yourself.