Must haves vs nice to haves

Most job descriptions contain a mix of things that are absolutely essential and things that the hiring team wishes the hiree has but that aren’t absolutely necessary.

The problem is when we aren’t clear which is which. Which can not deter perfectly suitable applicants, but create a discrepancy between the candidate’s expectation and the reality of the job.

Certainly, as a job seeker, it’s important to identify the difference between what’s a requirement and what’s a “nice to have.” Which is where asking questions and doing your diligence can help.

But as job poster, recruiter, HR scout or hiring manager, it’s our responsibility to clearly delineate the two. Job postings should encourage diverse, well-fit candidates to apply for the roles they’re likely succeed in, which means that it’s essential to give as much clarity around qualifications as possible, and to avoid false proxies.

Jobs, of course, are things we create. And how we define and communicate them is how we find the people who will fill them.