How to read a job advert properly

Before you spend an evening on an application, spend five minutes decoding the advert. Most of the important information is between the lines.

Signals worth noticing

• 'Competitive salary' with a senior title usually means the range is unresolved internally — ask early.
• A long essential list and a short desirable list means a replacement hire; the reverse suggests a newly created role with flexibility.
• Reporting line named in the advert is a good sign — it means the structure is settled.
• 'Fast-paced, wear many hats' at a small housebuilder is honest: expect breadth and limited support.
• Adverts reposted every few weeks point to an unrealistic brief or a pay problem, not a shortage of candidates.

Apply properly or not at all

Meeting roughly 70% of the essentials is enough to apply if you can evidence the core. Meeting 30% and hoping is what creates the impression that nobody good is applying.