How to read a SaaS job posting like a field researcher

A job posting is a field specimen. Read it closely and it tells you how the team works, what they're worried about and what would make them say yes. Here's how to study one.

1. Start with the responsibilities, not the requirements

Requirements are often a wish list. Responsibilities describe the actual work. Ask yourself whether you've done most of it before, and whether you'd want to do it every day. If the answer is yes, a missing "nice to have" shouldn't stop you.

2. Count the verbs

"Build," "own," and "launch" point to a role with room to create. "Maintain," "support," and "coordinate" point to a role that keeps things running. Neither is better. They're different jobs, and the posting is telling you which one this is.

3. Look for the problem behind the role

Every opening exists because something needs fixing or growing. Phrases like "scale our process," "rebuild," or "first hire in" are clues. Mention that problem in your application and you'll stand out from people who only repeat the bullet points.

4. Check the location fine print

"Remote" can mean anywhere in the world, anywhere in one country, or within a few time zones. Look for the country or region, and note any office days if it's hybrid.

5. Read the pay range for what it says about level

Where pay is listed, it tells you how senior the company thinks the role is, sometimes more honestly than the title does. On SaaSquatch, any role with pay listed shows it right on the card, and you can filter to roles with pay listed.

Once you've read it well, apply directly on the company's careers page. That's where every SaaSquatch sighting links.