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Does anyone else find themselves utterly confused by job descriptions and the long list of qualifications and certifications needed?
In one of my group messages, a friend sent me a screenshot for a Marketing/Social Media Manager position specifically targeting TikTok, where they seem to be delving into affiliate marketing. The catch? They're asking for 10 years of experience, with a preference for an MBA or J.D. (law degree*), expertise in graphic design, video editing, content writing (not copywriting), SEO, web design, Wordpress, and a slew of other platform expertise. What? TikTok hasn't even been around for a decade! Who's going to law school to manage social media? To top it off, the salary range was $60K - $80K. Someone skilled in social media is called an influencer and works for themselves making six figures plus!
These companies seem completely out of touch with reality!
(*The law degree was added as a joke because why not? )
Felicia CabrelliSenior Talent Acquisition Partner
19
12/07/23 at 10:07PM UTC
As someone who has been in Talent Acquisition my entire career, I confirm many job descriptions today are completely ridiculous. My belief is it reflects recruiters who are more order takers than true business partners to their hiring managers and shows companies are looking to cash in on a buyer's market. My general rule of thumb is if I am 75%-80% qualified for an opportunity I will apply.
There is no such thing as a unicorn but suddenly every company seems to think they do!
Anonymous
02/01/24 at 10:15PM UTC (Edited)
@Felicia Cabrelli,
Being that you are a TA, why do companies require interested applicants to create an account just to apply for a job? Why can't they just use a datawarehouse and BI tools to collect data metrics? I applied to 8 different jobs and had to create 8 different accounts. And the questions they ask on these applications IMO are so bias. Please shed some light on this? Thanks
Anonymous
12/04/23 at 1:29PM UTC
I've been noticing this trend. I half wonder if they let go or lost a number of people and are attempting to hire one person to replace them all.
I used to dream of being a college professor and was working toward that (I have an almost-completed doctorate that I will now never complete because it's pointless). When I was starting to job search while completing my doctorate I'd notice colleges would have a few professors retire and look to replace them with ONE person.
One job was for my field (music theory), but they also wanted them to teach trumpet, bass, and help conduct one of the jazz bands. They probably ended up just hiring a bunch of adjuncts and getting away with paying no benefits (the main reason why I stopped even looking for college jobs).
Anonymous
12/04/23 at 1:28PM UTC
I worked for the same company in Corporate Recruiting for over 15 years. Me and my coworkers constantly complained about the length of the job descriptions and how you lose people before they even get to the qualifications, it seemed like it was always on the agenda to update them, but it was never done I don’t get it but I couldn’t agree with anyone more that employers should bullet what you’re looking for make it quick and painless for people to understand if they qualify or not .
Anonymous
12/04/23 at 12:45PM UTC (Edited)
Challenges in managing young kids when in Leadership role
A close friend of mine has a 4 year and 8 year old kids. she is in Leadership role where her job needs to connect with US teams and the peak times being 5-11 PM.
She is struggling and feeling guilty on not spending time with Kids and worried about thier upbringing.
Being Indian and women in Leadership role seems a deadly combo.
though she is trying for APAC roles, we feel like the visibility will be less being ours is US based company.
Getting into leadership role is a boon or curse?
Do we really need to compromise on our aspirations ? How can this be managed. Please post you suggestions and thoughts on this topic.
Anonymous
12/03/23 at 11:33PM UTC
Apply anyway. They obviously have no idea what they're doing and need to hire someone who understands this job.
Sophia Burrowes Operations | Marketing | PM | Dev | B2B | B2C
142
12/04/23 at 7:10PM UTC
Exactly. I do apply. I friend is a VP of Marketing for her company and confirmed that 75% of the qualifications she needed to get the job have never been used in the position. In addition, she is doing the job of others as well because the owners have no idea what the roles they request are actually supposed to do. SMH
Anonymous
12/04/23 at 10:36PM UTC
Employers want a unicorn Employee but paying McDonald's wages. No one looking for entry-level will qualify and no one of upper magnitude will apply unless desperate for $$....and those WILL keep looking for something better.
Been there
Employers will NEVER learn
Shakira Bryant
21
12/03/23 at 9:09PM UTC
You are not alone.
Julie McGovern, EdDEducation Professional
207
12/03/23 at 6:51PM UTC
I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking this. I am 61, looking for a post-retirement job doing what I do best -- research and writing. I have four degrees, including a doctorate, and don't need an executive position, but OMG! What employers list as "preferred" or even "required" qualifications is outrageous for a mid-level job paying $18 to $20 an hour. I can work at McDonald's for $15. Not that I want that job, but still.
Just remember: A man is more likely to apply for those jobs even if he offers half those qualifications. Women need to as well. Not that I've had any luck (ageism is real), but I do apply for those jobs with pay ranges that are not insulting.
Tami BrownManager in Chilton, WI
654
12/04/23 at 5:18PM UTC
Great point!! Remember, we don't have to check "all" of the boxes. Put yourself out there and sell it! You have the ability to learn and grow. You will never know if you don't apply! Good luck.
virginia garrigos
23
12/03/23 at 6:06PM UTC
I totally understand where you are coming from, I had several interviews for Sr positions and they want to start at 55,000, that is entry level salary!!
Anonymous
12/03/23 at 4:40PM UTC
I have run across this sooo much in my search. I know by the title of the job and most of the description that I would be a good candidate for the job. It is all the other random "needs to have" that make me say, "Whaaat?" It is such a shame that they can't just ask for what they really need.
Audrey Kirsch
2.54k
12/03/23 at 3:58PM UTC
They could be a little out of touch or they could be looking for the very best candidate. They may be trying to weed out those with no experience at all who just apply for anything. The confident sole willing to learn with experience in a similar field could be just what they are looking for.
Sophia Burrowes Operations | Marketing | PM | Dev | B2B | B2C
142
12/04/23 at 7:12PM UTC (Edited)
I agree to a point.
However, the best candidate will not work for half their value. Or, if you get an interview at all.
I was making $30K out of college 20 years ago. A friend's daughter will be making $50K as an INTERN at BofA - fresh out if college. No MBA. She has never worked a job in her life as she is an athlete.
I have learned new software for jobs when required. Anyone can memorize for a certificate or degree. Anyone can write an amazing resume. Experience discovered during an interiview should be at least considered.
