The Truth About Job Postings—Useful, or Not?
Spoiler: A lot of job postings aren’t what they seem. If you’ve been tailoring your resume for hours, only to get ghosted—this might be why.
Let’s be Honest: Job Postings Are Weird
Some are loaded with impossible wish lists. Others are recycled. Some were written by a recruiter who didn’t even talk to the hiring team. And some—maybe more than you think—aren’t even real openings.
But if you’re applying to jobs online, these are the signals you’re responding to. So it helps to understand what you’re looking at.
Here’s what job postings are (and aren’t), why some feel like a black hole, and how to navigate the process like a pro.
1. Not Every Posting Is Real
Let’s start with the big one: not every job ad reflects an actual job opening.
Companies post jobs to collect resumes, test the market, build a talent pool, or fulfill internal hiring policies. According to this Forbes article, more than a third of job ads are fake or outdated.
That doesn’t mean you should stop applying—but it does mean you should manage your expectations and prioritize networking over job ads. That said, if your resume is strong and you’re still hearing crickets, the problem might not be you.
2. Most Postings Are Written for HR, Not Humans
Ever read a job ad that sounds like it was written by a robot? That’s because many are.
Companies often pull boilerplate language from HR templates or past postings. These might match internal compliance requirements or internal benchmarks—but they rarely reflect what the hiring manager is actually looking for.
That’s why it’s crucial to read between the lines. Look at what’s repeated, emphasized, or placed near the top. And use your resume to show how you solve the problems behind the posting—not just how you match the checklist.
3. The Perfect Match Myth
You don’t need to meet 100% of the listed qualifications. In fact, most people who get hired don’t.
Many candidates, women in particular, are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every requirement. But don’t rule yourself out.
As a resume writer with decades of experience and a background in recruiting, I can tell you that hiring managers don’t expect perfection. They expect potential.
Instead of disqualifying yourself, ask:
Can I do the core responsibilities?
Have I solved similar problems before?
Can I make a strong case for my fit?
If the answer is yes, go for it.
4. The Job Posting Is Just the Starting Point
Here’s the truth: job postings are the least strategic part of a successful job hunt or career change.
Most people spend way too much time applying—and not nearly enough time connecting.
Instead of treating job ads like a to-do list, treat them like sources of meaningful information. Use them to learn about:
The company’s structure and vision
Which departments are growing
Who the decision-makers might be
What kind of culture or problems they’re hinting at
And then? Go network. That’s where the real traction happens.
Because the best job search strategy isn’t blasting out applications—it’s getting connected with the right people.
Apply online sparingly (maybe 10–15% of your time). The rest of the time…
Reach out with targeted LinkedIn messages
Connect with past colleagues and friends
Make introductions through your network
Build relationships with people who can open doors
Research companies and contact them directly
(More on this in the next post about how to actually structure your job search.)
Final Word: Don’t Take Job Postings at Face Value
They’re not perfect. They’re not always real. And they’re definitely not the full picture.
The smartest job seekers treat postings like intel—not gospel. They don’t just chase job ads. They build a brand, connect strategically, and stay visible.
Because the best opportunities? They often come from outside the postings.
About me: I’m a professional resume writer with 20+ years of experience creating bold, strategic career documents that get results. Every resume I create is written with both humans and algorithms in mind.
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