Job descriptions are a critical component of the application process, but they aren’t always self-explanatory. The words “develop and implement a communication strategy” or “monitor program effectiveness” in one industry or job function may mean something totally different in another. It’s important to be able to “read between the lines” to understand what a company is actually looking for – and be able to respond accordingly. In fact, how you read and interpret job descriptions can determine how qualified you believe you are, how you tailor your resume, and how your application will be perceived by an HR recruiter or hiring manager.