HOW TO BECOME A JOB DESCRIPTION DETECTIVE


 


Once you have identified all your relevant skills, qualifications and experience, you have the blueprint to start the search for a suitable job. Understanding the job description and its content is vital to ensure your curriculum and cover letter have all the details that the recruiter is looking for.


To do this effectively you need to become a forensic documentation examiner, sifting through job advertisements with a microscope, highlighting the key words that describe the skills and qualities sought.  Once you have a list of these core skills, you must then make sure they appear in your curriculum and cover letter.


Beat the CV Bank 


The selection process is both time consuming and costly for companies, they often receive thousands of applications for one postion. CV screening is frequently used to reduce the number of applicants, so be prepared to face the CV bank. 


What is a CV Bank? It’s a database that large corporations use to store all the curriculums they receive. When a new position is created or becomes available, the recruiter uses this CV bank to retrieve any suitable curriculums that were previously submitted. They do this by simply typing key words in to a search box - usually the exact words they used in the job posting to explain their requirements; law degree, leadership skills, negotiations etc. 


Therefore, the secret to overcoming this first obstacle is to make sure the key words that appear in the job description are easily visible on your CV and in your cover letter. 


Take a look at this sample job description. The hard and soft skills  have been identified and noted down ready to be included in your CV and cover letter - give them what they are looking for!

Can you find the soft and hard skills listed in the example below?


Assistant Management Accountant

  • Well-known brand
  • Dynamic team environment
  • Excellent career development potential

This is a rare opportunity for an external candidate to join a successful financial services organisation as an Assistant Management Accountant. This well-known brand are market leaders and have experienced significant growth year after year.

You will work with the Senior Management Accountant to ensure completion of audited statutory accounts. Responsibilities include:


Working as a team to prepare GL journals and balance sheet reconciliations

Assisting in the monthly consolidated management accounts, including variance analysis

Project analysis and reporting, including monthly meetings with managers to review results

Project work as required

To be considered for this position you will need:


At least 2-3 years accounting experience within the financial/ banking sector

Advanced excel skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Tertiary qualifications in Accounting

CPA highly desirable ( completed or commenced)

In addition, if you have strong time management skills, excellent attention to detail, highly developed analytical skills and thrive in a team environment then this is the role for you!


Answer:


Hard skills

Soft Skills

Experience in financial procedures

Computer skills in excel

Accounting qualification

CPA knowledge

Knowledge of General Ledger Journals, balance sheets and variance analysis

Skills listed:

Time management

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Being able to work in a team

Communication skills – written & verbal


Extra skills:

Leadership

Facilitating & participating in meetings

Good reporting skills

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