Decoding Job Advertisements: A Content Analysis Approach
This paper presents a content analysis focused on job advertisements and their language. You can look at content analysis as being a magnifying glass for words that help us figure out the important stuff in what people say or write. It is uncovering the deeper significance hidden within the complex web of words and phrases found in different forms of communication. “It represents a qualitative research method that seeks to unearth patterns, themes, and deeper meanings within textual, visual, or auditory content (Krippendorff, 2004).” Moving forward, this research seeks to unlock the door to that bridge by systematically analyzing the words and phrases that employers value. The goal is to provide both ourselves and our peers with a concrete edge, enabling the explicit incorporation of these words into their skill sets and the creation of persuasive narratives about qualifications. The research involves a close examination of four different job ads to identify significant keywords that can enhance job prospects. Burry (2022) states that job postings are typically broken out into several parts (p. 2). The following sections focus on exploring details of the desired qualifications of applicants, responsibilities involved in the role, and uncovering the hidden insights that can benefit future careers.
As a student working towards a cybersecurity degree, I seek employment opportunities that revolve around technology. This analysis explores four full-time job advertisements, namely Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Crime and Intelligence Analyst, Senior Web Developer, and Network Administrator. They have various responsibilities, including but not limited to aspects of technology, data management, data analysis, and security, with each having distinct primary functions and areas of expertise that differentiate them from one another. An ISSO ensures an organization's information systems and networks are secure by implementing policies, conducting risk assessments, and managing security controls. Crime and Intelligence Analysts analyze data for law enforcement and decision-making. Senior Web Developers design, code, and maintain websites. Network Administrators manage computer networks, configure devices, monitor performance, and troubleshoot. My experience as an Information Technology Intern has provided hands-on exposure to several of these responsibilities, with a particular emphasis on tasks related to risk assessment, including assessing security risks and vulnerabilities, testing security controls, and proposing enhancements. Additionally, my cybersecurity coursework keeps me informed about evolving regulations and threats relevant to positions like ISSO.
Xu, as quoted in Harper R. (2012) says, “Job adverts may be written to reflect a desired future state, rather than current reality” (p. 2). In terms of preferred experience and education, all except one require a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. These roles vary in their requirements. Network Administrators prefer candidates with an associate degree, three years of relevant experience, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or CCNA. Crime and Intelligence Analysts seek candidates with a high school diploma, two years of training or experience, and familiarity with forensic tools. Graphic/Web Designers look for a bachelor’s degree and over five years of graphic design experience, particularly in web design. Information Security Specialists in a DoD setting require a bachelor’s degree, five years of information security experience, DoD certifications, knowledge of DoD Risk Management Framework and NIST SP 800-53, and an active Secret or Top-Secret clearance. I do have some of the credentials that are listed in the requirements and can use these requirements as a set of goals to work towards in my future academic studies or current job. Setting and working towards these goals will help align my education and career path with the qualifications needed for these specific roles.
Common words and phrases that consistently appear in all four job ads include but are not limited to skills, qualifications, technical abilities, and certifications. Burry (2022) indicates that certain phrases in job ads provide clues about the job’s nature (p. 3). I emphasize my technical skills in my ePortfolio, as it is emphasized in various contexts across the ads. For instance, the Network Administrator position requires technical expertise in network support, while Graphic/Web Designers need proficiency in design software. The ISSO ad also mentioned that “Familiarity with common information security tools, technologies, and best practices is required.” The term/skill ‘technical skills and certifications’ appears in the job ads to highlight the specific abilities and qualifications required for each position, with a focus on their practical relevance to the roles and as key criteria for evaluating candidates. All ads stress the importance of certifications as preferred qualifications/requirements like CompTIA Network+, CCNA, computer forensics, or DoD certifications. In my ePortfolio, I showcase my certifications through digital copies or detailed descriptions, ensuring I meet these requirements. By highlighting my technical skills and certifications, I provide clear evidence of my qualifications, helping employers recognize my suitability for the positions and making my ePortfolio persuasive.
In reviewing these job advertisements, certain patterns and differences become apparent. Each ad strongly highlights the qualifications and responsibilities specific to the respective roles. For example, the ISSO position places significant importance on expertise in information security and adherence to DoD standards, as evidenced by terms like "information security policies" and "DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)." However, crucial details regarding the total compensation package, including specific salary figures, remain undisclosed, except for the ISSO role which mentions a range of $140,000 to $150,000 with a $10,000 sign-on bonus, and the Crime and Intelligence Analyst role specifying a salary of $56,400.63 annually. In terms of remote work, the Senior Web Designer ad specifies on-site work, while the Network Administrator ad mentions a hybrid setup with unspecified remote options. Company descriptions vary in detail, with the ISSO ad lacking insights into the company's size or industry leadership. Conversely, the Senior Web Designer ad portrays Uline as a well-established, sizable company with a national presence. The depth of company descriptions varies, with the ISSO ad lacking information about the company's size and industry standing, in contrast to the Senior Web Designer ad, which portrays Uline as an established, sizable company with a national presence. On the other hand, the Crime & Intelligence Analyst and Network Administrator ads offer limited company insights, prompting the need for additional research.
Having conducted a comprehensive conceptual content analysis of job advertisements, the findings illuminate the central theme of qualifications and skills as paramount in the job market. Throughout the analysis, recurring terms like 'skills,' 'qualifications,' 'technical abilities,' and 'certifications' consistently underscore the critical importance of candidates possessing the right expertise for their desired roles. Each job advertisement had specific requirements tailored to the positions, from the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) role's emphasis on information security and DoD standards to the Network Administrator's focus on network support skills. Educational qualifications, specifically bachelor's degrees, are highlighted across roles, validating the value of formal education. Notably, certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CCNA, and DoD certifications are consistently cited as preferred qualifications, clearly enhancing job prospects. Additionally, the analysis highlights the unique responsibilities of each role, emphasizing the need for candidates to align their qualifications with job expectations. In this context, tailoring job applications to match the specific requirements outlined in advertisements is crucial. Furthermore, the analysis reveals variations in the depth of company descriptions, prompting further research considerations when evaluating job opportunities. These findings collectively signify the critical role of qualifications and the specialized nature of job roles in today's competitive job market.
References
Burry, M. (2022, February 1). How to decode a job advertisement. The Balance. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-decode-a-job-advertisement-2061002
Harper, R. (2012). The Collection and Analysis of Job Advertisements: A Review of Research Methodology. Library and Information Research, 36(112), 2.
Krippendorff, K. (2022, February 1). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Sage Research Methods. https://methods.sagepub.com/book/content-analysis-4e
Job Ads and their URL
# 1 Crime & Intelligence Analyst
Website: Job Opportunities | City of Tuscaloosa (governmentjobs.com)
# 2 Information Systems Security Officer
Website: NMR Consulting Careers - Information Systems Security Officer (jobvite.com)
# 3 Network Administrator
Website: SFM Mutual Insurance Jobs and Careers | Indeed.com
#4 Senior Web Designer
Website: SFM Mutual Insurance Jobs and Careers | Indeed.com
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