Read a posting for what it really asks

6 min read · Updated 28 October 2026

Most postings mix the few things a team can't do without and a longer list of things that would be nice. Reading them apart tells you where to spend your effort.

Find the must-haves

Look for words like "required", "must", or a number of years. Look at what's repeated: if "payments" shows up in the title, the summary and the list, it matters.

Anything under "nice to have", "bonus" or "preferred" is a wish. Treat it that way.

Read the first paragraph twice

The opening describes the problem the team is hiring for. If it says "we're rebuilding onboarding", your onboarding work should be near the top of your resume and your letter.

Decide if it's worth tailoring

• Tailor. You meet most must-haves and can point to a result for each.
• Apply as is. You meet the must-haves but the role is a stretch on the wishes.
• Skip. You're missing more than one hard requirement that you can't explain.

Write down the requirements

Keep a short list of what the posting asks, in its own words. It's the checklist for your resume, your letter and your interview prep.