Comments on: Employer Expectations Are Unrealistic for Many Search Jobs

By: Gabi Andrei

Gabi Andrei — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:09:52 +0000

I was writing today some job announcements for the company I work for. We are looking to hire few SEO professionals. I read your post and I realized how unrealistic I could be. I changed them. So, what do you think about:

• 1 year experience in search engine optimization and PPC
• Basic knowledge of HTML, PHP, CSS
• Good knowledge of web analytics software (Google Analytics…)
• Good understanding of PPC as an advantage
• Self learner

Is it realistic for a SEO assistant position?

By: Kondiment

Kondiment — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:34:06 +0000

No, you are not wrong. You are quite right. I was looking for a new job few months ago and I was surprised by the non realistic requirements of the employers in the Internet marketing/SEO field.

By: Emirhan

Emirhan — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:39:45 +0000

To be honest, I would formulate the same sort of announcement, with a fine print : “not all skills required, but make sure you would hire yourself for this job”.

The problem is that there’s too many technologies out there, and a sucessful business may need to employ them all at a certain point in time; then, at the peak moment, they feel the acute need of an expert. But why do they want to hire an expert to work most of the time with 2 or 3 technologies only, I can’t understand yet.

By: Urgence Medicale

Urgence Medicale — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:39:28 +0000

I think the kind of company is with small scale. They require employees to have the skills in internet marketing, in web programming and also in management. In many job postings, it writes 5 years experience. But sometimes recruiters may hire an employee only with 2 years work experience in the related field. It really depends.

By: Ramona Iftode

Ramona Iftode — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:01:19 +0000

I would recommend thinking about this. It;s 1 year since I started my small web design firm and it’s great. I still have my daily radio DJ job, but my main focus now is my firm

By: SEO Woman

SEO Woman — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:20:25 +0000

Good points, B. A lot of people say, “If you’re such a good search marketer, why wouldn’t you just work on your own sites?” For now, I like the security of having a day job, but I’m definitely looking into starting my own online business(es).

By: B Carter

B Carter — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:17:34 +0000

You know, I’m not even sure I would want this job even if I was qualified. The expectations of this company are so high that the best of the best wouldn’t be able to live up to them. Besides, if you were the best of the best, why the heck would you even be considering employment?

By: SEO Woman

SEO Woman — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:49:49 +0000

I’d be really interested to find out what sort of employee these companies finally end up with. I wonder how many of them give up and take a less qualified employee or outsource to an agency or consultant.

By: Ramona Iftode

Ramona Iftode — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:45:14 +0000

Oh my, you are so right. The problem is the same in other niches too and even when it comes to other jobs altogether. So many people would like you to have 1000 years of experience, maybe know what 200 people would know if combined, be able to work for 48 hours a day and preferably for a measly wage, that would be perfect for them

By: Brian Chappell

Brian Chappell — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:29:56 +0000

Agreed, I have seen some ridiculous search job descriptions. Some folks have no clue how in demand the field is and the actual salary needed to land a veteran SEO expert.