When considering the job search process, time is a valuable asset for both students and employers. Dedicating time to reviewing and pursuing listings that do not end up matching the capabilities and career goals of a student ultimately wastes time for the student while also adding to the stack the of applicants employer must sort through. We have seen many skilled job candidates frustrated that they are not getting interviews despite sending out lots of well-written resumes and cover letters that highlight their success and accolades. Since the search process does not always provide opportunities for feedback to understand where a student may have fallen short, it can be difficult to know where things went wrong.

While it is possible that candidates may be skipping important steps that can help them increase their chances of standing out, it could also be as simple as not taking the time to properly dissect the job description. Human resource managers, recruiters, and hiring managers typically spend a great deal of time crafting job postings to ensure it meets all the standards required by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and provides a clear representation of what skills they’re seeking in an applicant.

To help students determine if they’re a good they’re a good fit for a job, printing out an appealing listing and then using three different highlighters to mark up the posting, with one color representing skills the employer seeks and the student possesses, one to represent skills the student may have in a general way but not in the specific way an employer defines it, and one to represent skills the employer seeks but the student lacks.

We believe that the goal for finding a good fit is an 80% match between student and the employer. If a student matches less than that, they face a dilemma about whether it’s worth the time and effort to pursue a position they’re not necessarily well-suited for or put that particular job on hold.

Completing this step can also help students update their resumes and prepare for a possible interview. For example, it is important for students to mirror the vocabulary in the job posting on their resumes. After all, the company has said what is important to them. Now they need to ensure that you include that content in your own resume. Think of it as Sparks Notes for a job posting. If these elements are present in a student’s resume, they likely have a better chance at getting past the screening stage and invited to interview. This process can also be followed with in the cover letter, should the position require one.

As a job candidate, students need to pursue openings where their skills match the company’s needs and follow a process to maximize their opportunity of getting the interview. By dissecting a job description and ensuring those key words find their way into their resume and cover letter, students can practically “hack” the process.