How to Parse a Tech Job Description

This is Part 3 of my 9-part series: The Behavioral Interview Game Plan. [View the Full Series Roadmap]

When you look at a job description, it can feel like a long list of demands. But I like to look at it differently: it’s actually a “cheat sheet” the company is giving you! It tells you exactly what they value and what they’ll likely ask you about during your behavioral interview.

In this step of our journey, we’re going to look “under the hood” of the entry-level iOS role we discussed. Our goal is to pull out the key attributes that will make you stand out as a candidate.

Notice in the table below how we translate standard job requirements into the specific signals you’ll want to demonstrate in your stories.

Mapping the Job Description to Key Qualities

Let’s parse the entry level iOS role we’re applying for and identify the attributes that we believe are important for this job listing. As you’ll see in the table below, some pieces of the job listing do not end up associated with an attribute.

Job Listing Text	What They Are Really Looking For (Attributes)
We are looking for an entry-level iOS developer to join our team and help us create the next generation of mobile apps.	iOS development, teamwork, mobile app development
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain iOS applications using Swift	iOS development, app maintenance, swift
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features	cross functional collaboration, software design, Release Process
Write clean, efficient, and reusable code	clean code, efficient code, reusable code
Test, optimize, and troubleshoot code to ensure quality	testing code, debug code, focus on quality
Identify potential problems and resolve issues	problem solving, debug code, bug resolution
Keep up with the latest iOS development trends and technologies	staying current
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
1+ years of experience with Swift programming language	swift
Strong understanding of iOS development best practices	iOS best practices
Experience with Xcode, Interface Builder, and other iOS development tools	xcode, interface builder, ios tools
Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills	problem solving, debug code
Ability to work independently and as part of a team	individual ownership, teamwork

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

You might notice that some parts of the job listing—like having a specific degree—don’t necessarily turn into a behavioral story. That’s okay! Our focus here is on the action-oriented qualities that you can prove through your past experiences.

By identifying these “signals” now, we are making sure your prep is targeted and efficient. You aren’t just practicing general answers; you’re preparing the exact evidence this specific team wants to see.

What’s Next?

Now that we have our list of attributes, the next step is to get organized. In our next post, we’ll group these together so that your preparation feels manageable and clear. We’re moving closer to building your behavioral interview stories!

If you’re finding this process helpful but want a more personalized deep dive, Let’s chat. I specialize in behavioral interview coaching for tech to help you land that next big role.

Lee Newman

I've spent over 25 years navigating the software engineering landscape—scaling teams, fostering well-being, and mentoring the next generation of technical leaders. After 6.5 years at Google, I built a coaching practice to help talented engineers and techies unlock their potential and build the momentum that transforms careers. I'm the coach who meets you at your pivotal moments and helps you make the most of them.