How to read a job description honestly
Most educators disqualify themselves from roles they could do, and apply for roles they'd dislike. A posting is easier to judge when you break it into three parts.
What's inside
- Separate the requirements from the wish list
- Find the verb that repeats
- Ask who you'd disappoint
Separate the requirements from the wish list
Certifications, licenses, and years in a specific seat are usually real. Long skill lists are usually written by committee and describe the ideal candidate nobody hires. Look for what the role is evaluated on, not what it lists.
Find the verb that repeats
Coach, facilitate, design, analyze, manage. Whatever verb shows up three times is the actual job. If that verb doesn't appeal to you on a hard day, the title won't save it.
Ask who you'd disappoint
Every role has a group whose expectations you can't fully meet, teachers, principals, families, clients, a sales team. Knowing who that is tells you more about daily life in the role than the responsibilities section does.