How to Actually Read a Job Description (Most People Don't)
Job descriptions are written by committee and padded with wish lists. Here's how to decode what a company actually needs — and whether you should apply.
By JobPost Team · May 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Most job descriptions are written by a recruiter, edited by an engineering manager, reviewed by HR, and approved by a director who added three bullet points at the last minute. The result is a wish list, not a hiring spec.
Here's how to read one like someone who's been on the other side of the table.
The "Requirements" Section is a Negotiation
When a JD says "5+ years of experience with React," they usually mean they want someone who knows React well. A strong candidate with 3 years will almost always get an interview. Apply anyway.
The one exception: compliance-heavy roles (fintech, healthcare, government) where specific certifications or years of experience have legal implications. Those requirements tend to be real.
Look at What's Not There
A JD that doesn't mention code review, testing, or documentation is a signal. Either they don't do those things, or they've never stopped to think about them. Both are worth asking about in the interview.
The Stack Tells a Story
- A legacy stack (Java 8, Angular 1, jQuery) often means maintenance work and slow release cycles
- A stack that lists 12 different technologies usually means the team has accumulated tools without strategy
- A focused, consistent stack often indicates engineering leadership with strong opinions
Salary Ranges Are a Starting Point
If a range is listed, candidates who would ask for the top of the range often get offers at the bottom — and vice versa. Don't self-select out. Apply, understand the scope of the role, and negotiate from there.
The "Nice to Have" Section
This is where companies put the things they couldn't agree on. Ignore it unless something there genuinely differentiates you — then mention it in your cover letter.