The last job I applied for was an Office Manager position at a dental practice. When I first read the job description, I felt like it matched my skills and experience perfectly. The posting listed tasks like managing the schedule, handling patient billing and insurance, ordering supplies, and overseeing the day-to-day flow of the office all responsibilities I had done before. The description also mentioned leadership responsibilities, which excited me because I was looking to take on more of a guiding role in a team setting. The job posting played a big part in my decision to apply because it clearly explained what the office needed and aligned with what I was looking for.
Once I started the job, I realized that many of the tasks listed were accurate, but there were some differences. For example, the job description mentioned supporting dental assistants and hygienists, but in reality, I was much more involved in training new hires, solving interpersonal conflicts, ensuring all staff is up to date with their CPR licenses, coordinating lab cases, and enrolling all staff in continuing education courses. It was more responsibility than I expected, but I actually enjoyed having a more active role in the team’s success. One thing I wish had been clearer in the posting was how much coordination was needed with outside vendors and insurance companies, which turned out to be a big part of my day-to-day tasks.
While the job description helped me get a good idea of what to expect, it did not capture everything. That is why I believe job postings should give more specific examples of daily tasks and include information about office culture. It makes a big difference when you know not only what you will do, but how you are expected to work with others.