Reading a job ad
Every job ad is a cheat sheet
A job ad tells you exactly what the employer wants to hear. Read it carefully and you'll know what to put in your resume, cover letter and interview answers.
Break it down
| Part of the ad | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Job title and type | Casual, part-time, full-time? Which location? |
| About the business | What they value — great for your cover letter |
| Duties | What you'll actually do each day |
| Must-haves ("essential", "required") | You need to show these clearly |
| Nice-to-haves ("desirable", "a bonus") | Mention them if you have them — but still apply if you don't |
| How to apply | Follow the instructions exactly (cover letter? closing date? questions to answer?) |
Example
Casual Café Crew — Parramatta
We're a busy, friendly café looking for a reliable team member for weekend shifts.
You'll need: availability Saturdays and Sundays, a positive attitude, and great customer service skills.
Bonus: barista experience or a food safety certificate.
Apply with your resume and a short cover letter by Friday 14 March.
Key words to use: reliable, friendly, weekends, positive attitude, customer service. Must include: a cover letter. Deadline: Friday 14 March.
Don't rule yourself out
If you meet most of the must-haves, apply. Many people talk themselves out of jobs they could easily get.
Watch out for red flags
- Asking you to pay money to apply or for a "starter kit"
- Pay that sounds too good to be true
- Asking for your bank details, TFN or ID before you've been offered a job
Action step
Find a real job ad for one of your target jobs. Highlight the must-haves, nice-to-haves and key words. Keep it — you'll use it to write a cover letter next.