Changing careers is challenging enough. Misinterpreting job descriptions (JD) makes it even harder.
According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Job Search Report, 75% of HR professionals use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Many career changers fail to pass ATS simply because they can’t identify key requirements in JDs. LinkedIn Career Advice
Worse, misjudging job duties and requirements often leads to applying for positions that don’t match their transferable skills. This wastes time and dampens motivation.
3 Core Methods to Insight Job Descriptions Quickly
1. Split JD into Three Core Sections
First, separate job descriptions into job duties, job requirements, and company culture.
Job duties tell you what you’ll do daily. Job requirements list the skills, experience, and qualifications you need.
Focus on these two sections first—they determine if you’re a potential fit. Company culture can be evaluated later.
2. Distinguish "Must-Have" from "Nice-to-Have" in Job Requirements
Not all job requirements are mandatory. Follow the guidelines of the National Association of Professionals (NAP): prioritize hard skills and core qualifications labeled as "required". NAP Career Guidelines
Words like "required," "must have," or "essential" indicate non-negotiable criteria. "Preferred," "nice to have," or "a plus" are optional.
For career changers, meeting 60-70% of must-have requirements means you’re a viable candidate. Don’t be discouraged by missing preferred ones.
3. Map Transferable Skills to Job Duties & Requirements
List your transferable skills first. Then, match them to the job duties and requirements in the JD.
For example, if the JD requires "project coordination" (a job duty) and "communication skills" (a job requirement), highlight your past experience in organizing team tasks.
This mapping helps you tailor your resume to pass ATS and show HR your potential value.
Real Case: From Marketing to Project Management
Sarah, a former marketing specialist, wanted to transition to project management. Here’s how she used the above methods:
First, she split a target JD: job duties included "plan and execute projects" and "coordinate cross-functional teams"; job requirements included "strong organizational skills" and "experience with project tracking tools."
She identified "organizational skills" and "cross-team communication" as must-have requirements. Though she had no PM tool experience (a preferred requirement), she decided to apply.
Finally, she mapped her marketing campaign management experience to the job duties. She emphasized how she coordinated design and sales teams (transferable to cross-functional coordination).
Sarah passed the ATS screening and got an interview. Her key: accurate JD insight helped her highlight relevant transferable skills.
Useful Tools & Resources for Career Changers
1. JD Analysis Tools
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CareerHelp JD Insight Analyzer: The core tool for career changers to analyze job descriptions. It can automatically parse key elements in JDs such as job duties and job requirements, match your transferable skills with position needs, and generate a targeted insight report. Access it via CareerHelp.top
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LinkedIn Job Description Analyzer: Compares your resume with JDs and identifies missing keywords. LinkedIn Career Advice
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Resume.co JD Match Tool: Highlights job duties and requirements that align with your skills. Resume.co Career Change Guide
2. Industry & Career Data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides detailed job duties, requirements, and growth outlooks for various occupations. Useful for understanding target roles. BLS Displaced Workers Data
3. Resume Optimization Guides
NAP Resume Guidelines: Helps you structure resumes to highlight transferable skills for career transitions. NAP Career Guidelines
FAQ: Common Questions About Job Descriptions for Career Changers
Q1: How to tell if a JD is suitable for a career change?
Check if the core job duties match your transferable skills. If 60% of must-have job requirements align with your abilities, it’s worth applying. Avoid roles with 100% industry-specific mandatory requirements.
Q2: What if I don’t understand some terms in job duties/requirements?
Use BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook or LinkedIn’s industry glossaries to look up terms. You can also ask professionals in the target field via LinkedIn networking. LinkedIn Career Advice | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Q3: Should I apply if I only meet part of the job requirements?
Yes, if you meet most must-have requirements. According to LinkedIn data, 80% of hiring managers are willing to consider career changers with strong transferable skills. Focus on showcasing your potential in your application. LinkedIn Career Advice
Share Your Thoughts
What problems have you encountered when interpreting job descriptions during your career change? Feel free to leave a comment below—we’ll help you solve them!