Some advertisements give you good details of a position, whilst others tell you very little about the job and skills required.

The minimum you need to know is:

• what the work is;
• where the work is;
• what sort of qualifications and skills are required;
• depth of experience required;
• hours/days of work required;
• and how to apply for an interview or get further information.

Do not be too concerned about the salary at this stage because those sorts of details can be covered either during or after the interview.

You do not necessarily have to have all of the requirements as listed in the advertisements. Remember that most ads are asking for the perfect person. Very rarely will employers encounter an applicant with all of the qualities they seek. Therefore, if you do not possess all of the requirements asked, yet are a fairly close match, you should still apply for the position.

Be very aware of "dodgy" advertisements

A good advertisement should answer the following questions: what is it, where is it and who should I contact? without raising any doubts.

Good advertisement example
Poor Advertisement example