THE HIDDEN JOB DESCRIPTION

Winning CV gives an alternative look at job descriptions and their hidden meanings. 
This can reveal much more about the employer, the role and the company culture.

Employers try various tactics to make jobs sound more interesting.

Equally, employers can be extremely vague about what they are looking for so candidates will
need to be careful about the 'real' job description.

Please remember, this is only a 'light-hearted' look at the 'hidden' job description and how employers can sometimes overstate a role to make it more appealling or to hide less desirable aspects of the role.

Winning CV recommends that candidates always read the job description fully, analyse it and clarify the finer details when discussing the role at interview.  Candidates must be sure about the job and its description because it can affect career choices and future aspirations.

                                                                                                                                 

Suitably qualified

The employer is being suitably vague - they are more than likely just waiting to see who
applies and what they can get from the applications received.

A competitive salary

The employers is not offering the best salary and you maybe paid less than your counterparts.

Day-to-day management

Implies there is no time for long-term planning or strategic thinking in the role. 
This could mean that the role could be limited in the long-term.

Dealing with all levels of the company

Implies being directly in the firing line and from all angles!

Temporary role / short-term contract

The role could be experimental or the candidate may not survive the year!

Government legislation / new directive

The company is obliged by law to recruit someone for such a position.

An innovative approach required

The company must be desperate for ideas - stagnating?

Business experience required

Implies the need to understand and deal with 'office politics'.

No experience necessary

Could mean an office junior role or something with no real prospects.

Challenging role

Be prepared to work long hours with little additional reward.

Opportunities to learn & develop

Candidates must find out about the role when doing it and make the most of it!

Key position within the company

The candidate will need a strong backbone - be expected to deal with all the problems.

A new role

The company does not know how it will turn out but at least someone can try to make the most of it.

Working for a large organisation

The company is so large you may not be noticed.

                                                                                                                                 

Communication skills

This can mean anything from answering the telephone to doing formal presentations.

Ability to work under pressure

There is lots to do and be prepared to working long hours.

Numerate

Please remember to bring your calculator with you!

Organisational skills

Depending on the role, candidates could be organising everything, including the tea rota!

                                                                                                                                 

Self-motivated or self-managed

Expect minimal managerial support.

Career-minded

Must be willing to do anything to further a career.

Enthusiastic approach

This could mean that no matter how hard people try, they will never get very far!

                                                                                                                                 

Exciting new role

Nothing remotely interesting can be said about this role - stuck for something to say.

Friendly working environment

Makes up for any other difficulties experienced in the role. 
This role may improve social lives but not necessarly any career prospects.

Interesting role

Nothing else to say about the job role - interesting for whom?

                                               

                      

The 'hidden' job description - be careful at how employers convey job descriptions!