Reading job ads: telling must-haves from nice-to-haves, and spotting red flags
Many applicants read job ads like an exam checklist: if they miss one requirement, they back off. In reality a job ad is closer to a picture of the ideal candidate written by the company. Reading it carefully helps you decide when to apply, how to tailor your CV, and when to walk away.
Resmi.ID Team · 4 min read ·
Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash
The parts of an ad worth dissecting
A good ad usually includes the company name, job title, location or work arrangement, main responsibilities, qualifications, and information on pay or benefits. Read the responsibilities first, not the qualifications. They tell you what the day-to-day work looks like, and whether it is really what you are after.
Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
Must-haves are what you genuinely need to do the job from day one. Examples include a driving licence (SIM) for a driver role, a professional registration (STR) for health workers, or basic accounting skills for finance staff. Nice-to-haves are extras that speed up your adjustment but can be learned on the job.
Watch the wording. "Wajib" (required), "harus" (must) or "minimal" (at least) usually mark core requirements. "Diutamakan" (preferred), "lebih disukai", "nilai tambah" (a plus) or "menjadi poin plus" mark nice-to-haves. If the ad doesn't separate them, ask yourself: is this job impossible to do without that requirement?
When to apply even if you don't meet every requirement
As a rule of thumb, if you meet all the must-haves and most of the nice-to-haves, your application is worth sending. Many ads list a long wish list, and recruiters are often willing to consider candidates who are not perfect but are relevant.
- The ad asks for "at least 2 years" and you have 1.5 highly relevant years: still worth a try.
- You haven't mastered one requested piece of software but know a similar one: mention it and show you are willing to learn.
- Your degree is in a different field, but you have a portfolio or certification in this one: highlight the evidence of your skills.
- You don't meet a legal or licensing requirement, such as an STR or SIM: don't force it, because these are absolute requirements.
Reading between the lines
Some phrases in ads deserve a closer look. They aren't necessarily bad, but they are worth asking about in the interview.
- "Competitive salary" with no figure: ask for the salary range early so neither side wastes time.
- "Fast-paced environment" or "able to work under pressure": ask about normal hours, deadlines and overtime rules.
- "Family-like atmosphere" (suasana kekeluargaan): it can mean a warm team, or blurred work boundaries. Ask how tasks and working hours are organised.
- "Multitasking" with a very wide range of duties: one person may be doing the work of two or three roles.
- "Trial period" or "unpaid training": ask for the arrangement in writing. An unpaid work trial deserves caution.
Mapping the ad to your CV
Once you decide to apply, use the ad as a map. Highlight the skill and responsibility keywords, then make sure your relevant experience uses the same terms where they truly apply. If the ad says "bank reconciliation", don't just write "handled finances".
- 1Copy the requirement listSplit it into must-have and nice-to-have columns.
- 2Match each one with evidenceWrite one real experience for every requirement.
- 3Adjust your profile summaryMention the two or three most sought-after skills.
- 4Reorder your experience pointsPut the most relevant ones at the top.
- 5Prepare an answer for gapsOne sentence on how you are closing each gap.
Red flags of fake job ads
Ads that look too good to be true are often a gateway to scams. Be wary of ads that ask for registration, training, uniform or test fees; promise high pay for very light requirements; list only a WhatsApp number or free email address with no clear company name; or press you to send your ID card (KTP) and bank details right away.
On Resmi.ID Karir, applicants are never charged any fee. Look for the Verified (Terverifikasi) badge, which means the company's business identification number (NIB) matches licensing records. Job ads with scam patterns are detected and held back, and if you find a suspicious ad, use the Report job (Laporkan lowongan) button.
Quick checklist before you apply
- I understand the main responsibilities of this role and I am genuinely interested.
- I meet all the must-haves, including any required licence or document.
- I meet most of the nice-to-haves or have evidence of equivalent skills.
- I have noted questions to ask about any vague phrases.
- My CV uses relevant keywords, and uses them honestly.
- There are no requests for fees or excessive personal data.
Reading ads carefully means you apply less often but more accurately. Save the jobs that interest you so you can come back and compare them before sending your application.
