Job Description

A job description (JD) is a company's formal description of an open role. It typically includes: a job title, role overview, detailed list of responsibilities, required qualifications (must-haves), preferred qualifications (nice-to-haves), and sometimes compensation range, location, and company overview. **How to read a JD strategically:** **Required vs. preferred:** Studies (including a widely cited internal LinkedIn study) show candidates — particularly women — apply to far fewer roles than men because they don't meet all listed requirements. Research suggests applying if you meet 60-70% of requirements, focusing on the 'required' section over 'preferred.' **The skills map:** The job description is the primary source for resume keyword tailoring. Every specific skill, tool, framework, or methodology mentioned is a potential keyword to include if you have it. **Responsibility signals:** The order and emphasis in the responsibilities list reveals what's actually most important for the role. The first 3-4 bullets are what the hiring manager cares most about. **Reading between the lines:** - 'Fast-paced environment' → expect ambiguity and frequent pivots - 'Wear many hats' → small team, undefined processes - 'Strong communication skills required' → previous hires have been poor communicators - 'Must have a sense of humor' → culture is casual but may have had toxicity issues **Salary omissions:** Many JDs don't include salary ranges. Research comparable roles on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Levels.fyi before applying so you can calibrate expectations.