What Is a Job Description and Why Understanding It Is Key to Writing a Strong CV

Entering the job market can feel overwhelming, but one of the most powerful tools you can use is something you see in every job posting: the job description. Learning how to read and interpret job descriptions not only helps you understand the role, it also allows you to tailor your CV effectively and stand out as a strong candidate.

What Is a Job Description?

A job description is an internal document used by organisations to define a role’s purpose, duties, responsibilities and required skills. It guides HR, managers and employees by clearly outlining expectations. In a job posting or advertisement, what you see is essentially a snapshot of this internal document- sometimes included as a section within the ad or forming the entire job post itself. Understanding how to read job descriptions is a valuable skill because it helps you identify whether you’re a good fit, tailor your CV strategically, and communicate your strengths in a way that matches what employers are actually looking for.

Key Sections of a Job Description

Job postings differ from company to company, however, these are the key job description sections you will find on most postings.

1. Job Title

The job title gives the first clue about the role’s level and focus. Pay attention to wording, terms like assistant, associate, and coordinator often signal junior or entry-level positions. It’s also important to research titles because names can vary across industries. For example, a “Customer Success Associate” in a tech company may perform duties similar to a “Client Services Administrator” in a corporate office.

2. Responsibilities and Duties

This section outlines what the role requires on a daily or weekly basis. Tasks are usually listed in order of importance, so pay close attention to what appears at the top of the list and what is repeated throughout. When tailoring your CV, this is the section you should match most closely. Use the same keywords and phrases, such as “dynamic,” “fast-paced,” or “deadline-driven” if the environment requires handling pressure and shifting priorities, or “team player,” “collaborate,” “cross-functional,” and “partner” if the role involves teamwork and working across departments.

3. Qualifications

Most job descriptions include two types of qualifications:

• Required - Non-negotiable skills needed to do the job. These are often hard skills and may be signaled by terms like must have, essential, or minimum.

• Preferred - Skills or traits that strengthen your application but are not mandatory. These are often soft skills and indicated by words like advantageous, nice-to-have, ideally, or additional.

  
  

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

• Reading job descriptions too literally. Not every bullet point is a strict requirement—many candidates rule themselves out unnecessarily.

• Ignoring the tone of the job post. A formal ad requires a formal CV.

• Applying too broadly without checking whether you meet core requirements.

• Copying and pasting the same CV for every role.

• Underselling soft skills such as teamwork or time management.

• Skipping the cover letter, which can show genuine interest and help you stand out.

  
  

Safety Tips When Reading Job Descriptions

Unfortunately, not every job post is legitimate. Be cautious of:

• Ads asking you to pay fees or pay for training upfront.

• Posts offering salaries that seem unrealistic or “no experience required” for high-paying roles.

• Requests for personal information like your ID number or date of birth.

• Job duties that do not match the job title. Always research the company’s social media pages, website and employee reviews to confirm legitimacy.

Conclusion

Understanding a job description is more than just reading, it’s interpreting. By recognising what employers truly want, you can create a CV that aligns with their needs, highlights your strengths and increases your chances of landing an interview. Mastering this skill now will serve you throughout your entire career journey.