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Decode the job ad

The key to a good, targeted CV and cover letter is the job advertisement. So start by decoding it. This can help you understand the company and its needs. But how do you do that?

See the guide to decode the job ad

Decode the job ad

The key to a good, targeted CV and cover letter is the job advertisement. So start by decoding it. This can help you understand the company and its needs. But how do you do that?

See the guide to decode the job ad

Tool for understanding the job advertisement

Always start by reading the job ad carefully. Familiarise yourself with the company and try to understand their needs. That is the entire basis of you being able to "answer" their "questions".

You can start by trying to color-code the post based on the 4 categories:

1. What?

Look for tasks and methods, professional competencies as well as experience and education.

2. How?

What personal competencies, personal values and motivation do they demand?

3. Who?

Which target group will you work with?

4. Where?

Here you look at company culture, colleagues and values.

Once you've done that, you'll probably have a much better sense of what they're looking for - and thus the elements that are important to include in your application materials.

The picture shows a job ad that are colourcoded in the 4 categories: What, how, who, and where.
Example of a decoded job ad

How to decode the job ad

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How to decode the job ad

In the dialogue with the company, you can get a sense of what the job entails. You may gain knowledge and insight that the other applicants do not have, which makes it easier for you to write a targeted cover letter and CV.

Find important topics in the job ad

Which professional areas, tasks, personal competencies, values, etc. are prominent? Usually, some elements that recur. You can use the important topics as guidelines when you write your targeted CV and cover letter.

Match your professional competencies with what they are looking for and show them with your CV and cover letter that you know this. You do this by highlighting your relevant experiences and competencies and giving examples.

Ask questions and find answers

Use your curiosity to ask questions based on the job ad. What exactly do they mean? There are probably some things you will be curious to know more about.

First, try to find the answers yourself. E.g. use google or the company's website, social media or in the press.

After that, ask others. Maybe you know someone who works in the industry or in a similar job? The contact person on the ad is the very best to answer your questions.

Use AI to decode the job ad

AI can help you identify the competencies, experience and personal qualities an employer is looking for. This can make it easier to tailor your CV and cover letter.

Use AI for sparring. Job ads can be interpreted in different ways, so treat the suggestions critically and use them as inspiration.

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