Analysing Job Descriptions

Introduction

When preparing for an interview, the job description (JD) is your most valuable guide. By analysing it carefully, you’ll know how to shape your answers to match what the interviewer is looking for.

We’re going to cover 5 steps to extract key information from a JD:

1. Identify the key skills

2. Look for action verbs

3. Rewrite the JD in your own words

4. Prepare skills examples

5. Find red flags

To see these steps in action, let’s use an example job description for the role of Software Engineer.

Job Description (Example)

Software Engineer

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing and building scalable backend systems and APIs

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Product and Data

• Writing clean, maintainable, and well-tested code in Python

• Working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly

• Owning features from idea to production

What you’ll need:

• 3+ years of backend development experience

• Strong knowledge of Python and SQL

• Experience working with distributed systems or cloud infrastructure (e.g. AWS, GCP)

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects

• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical ideas clearly

Step 1: Identify the Key Skills

Almost every JD focuses on a mix of technical skills, soft skills, work style and business context. Highlight the most important skills for each category.

Step 2: Look for Action Verbs

Most responsibilities in the JD start with action verbs. These verbs hint at:

• the type of work you’ll be doing

• the type of interview questions to expect

Step 3: Rewrite the JD in Your Own Words

Pick 3–5 key bullet points and rephrase them in simpler English. This helps you clearly understand what the role involves and prepares you to talk about responsibilities naturally.

For example, "Work closely with cross-functional teams to delivery features on time."

I'll need to work with people from other teams to make sure deadlines are met.

Step 4: Prepare one example per skill

For each key skill identified in Step 1, write a short story:

• What was the situation?

• What did you do?

• What was the result?

For example, for Python:

Notes:

• Recently refactored a messy pipeline

• Added unit tests and followed PEP8 style guidelines

• Pipeline is now easier to maintain and for new members to jump into

Step 5: Watch out for red flags

Job descriptions can give you clues about company culture.

If a role says you need to “work under pressure”, this might mean the team often has urgent deadlines or a stressful environment.

Use the interview as an opportunity to ask questions and understand what these phrases really mean.