Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities are the tasks and duties you’re expected to perform in the role.

• In a Marketing Coordinator position, responsibilities might include developing and implementing marketing campaigns, analyzing data to evaluate campaign effectiveness, and coordinating with the sales team to optimize marketing strategies.

• In a Logistics Specialist role, responsibilities could involve coordinating and monitoring supply chain operations, optimizing transportation routes and loads, ensuring legal compliance, managing warehouse operations, liaising with stakeholders, and solving problems that arise in the logistics process.

Qualifications

Qualifications are the characteristics the employer believes are necessary to perform the job effectively. These often include:

• Skills: These can be hard skills (like proficiency in specific software, languages, or technical knowledge) or soft skills (like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving abilities).
• Experience: This refers to the kind of professional work background needed, such as “three years of experience in digital marketing” or “experience managing a team.”

Essential vs. Preferred

Job descriptions typically divide qualifications into “essential” and “preferred.”

• Essential qualifications are the most important. Sometimes they are referred to as “required” or “minimum” qualifications. Without them, you might not be considered for the role. They are what the employer thinks are the minimum qualifications needed to perform the job.
• Preferred qualifications are additional characteristics that would make you a more competitive candidate but aren’t strictly necessary for the job. These might include additional years of experience beyond what are essential, specific skills that could benefit the role, or higher educational qualifications.

Practical Application

When reading a job description, start by highlighting or noting all the listed responsibilities and qualifications. Then, categorize them into essential and preferred. This will help you understand:

1. What the employer considers crucial for the job.
2. Where you stand with your current skills and experience.
3. How you might tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the job’s needs.

By distinguishing between essential and preferred qualifications, you can better assess your fit for the role and prioritize which aspects of your background to emphasize in your application.

The Confidence Gap

When reviewing job descriptions, it’s common to see a list of qualifications that can seem intimidating. It’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily need to meet every single qualification to apply for a job.

Studies have shown that women often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet all the listed qualifications, whereas men are more likely to apply even if they only meet some of the qualifications.^[1] It’s worth noting that many employers consider a candidate’s potential to grow into the role and are willing to provide training for the right person.

So, if a job excites you and you meet a substantial portion of the criteria, consider applying! Highlight your most relevant experiences and skills, and express your willingness and capacity to learn. This approach can demonstrate your enthusiasm and adaptability, making you a competitive candidate even if you don’t check every box.