Chicken Is Our First Ingredient

Does anyone remember those dog food commercials?

The ones that stated chicken is our first ingredient in lieu of the by-products of our competitors.

It had me thinking about the many job descriptions I have read from November to now.

I know it is a weird correlation, but why would you list the “by-product” requirements first in lieu of the more impactful ones?

For example, Product Manager positions, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen the first requirements be similar to the following:

-Must be experienced with Jira

-Previous experience with Agile Methodologies

-Ability to create wireframes

-BS degree and PMP Certification are a plus

I realize these are important, well maybe not that last one, but most of these items are easily taught.

A better requirement list would be something similar to the following:

-Prior PM experience focused on X, Y, Z (dependent on the Product technology stack)

-Curious mindset including analytical, decision-making, problem-solving skills to navigate ambiguity 

-Be empowered to show authenticity in your work

-Ability to collaborate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders by deciphering jargon to lay audiences

Companies may state that they do not get the proper candidate-market fit for these positions, but could it possibly be the most important details and requirements are listed last and easily missed by opportunity seekers?

We are told to ensure our resumes are easily consumed since they will only be skimmed for a short period of time, this is a request asking for the job descriptions to be similar.

In turn, you will receive the best candidates!