BIZMATCH guide
Must-have or nice-to-have: how to read job requirements
Many postings list more than any one person has. Some lines are firm, some are a wish list, and some were copied from an older posting. Sorting them first helps you decide where to spend your time.
Clues that a line is a must-have
- Words like required, must or minimum.
- Licences, certifications or the legal right to work, which an employer often cannot waive.
- Skills named in the job title or in the first few lines.
- Items repeated in more than one section.
Clues that a line is a nice-to-have
- Words like preferred, a plus, bonus or familiarity with.
- Long lists of tools where any one of them would probably do.
- Items that appear once, near the end.
Make a two-column list
Write the must-haves on the left and the nice-to-haves on the right. Mark each line yes, partly or no for you, and add one real example for every yes. If you meet most of the must-haves and some of the rest, the role is worth a careful application.
Talk about gaps honestly
If you are missing a nice-to-have, you can leave it out or say you are learning it. If you are missing a firm requirement such as a licence, an application rarely gets around it, so put your effort elsewhere or ask the employer directly.
Use the posting's words where they are true
When your resume already covers a must-have, use the posting's wording for it so a reader spots it quickly. Never claim something you cannot back up in an interview.
Common questions
Should I apply if I do not meet every requirement?
That is your call. Many people apply when they meet the firm requirements and some of the preferred ones. No checklist can predict an employer's decision.
Does the free checker tell me which lines are must-haves?
No. It shows which words the posting repeats and which ones your resume already uses. Sorting needs from wishes is a judgment you make by reading the posting.