Genuine question : outside of software, are job listings also terrible reflections of the needs of the position? I feel like I am often contacted regarding posi

Genuine question : outside of software, are job listings also terrible reflections of the needs of the position? I feel like I am often contacted regarding positions for which I am not qualified on paper. Recently, for instance, a recruiter contacted me regarding an opening which required the following (among others) : 7+ years experience, C, C++, Python, Ruby, Flash, Matlab, "network programming", RPC, sockets, "database programming" [1]. I don't have 7 years experience, and would never advertise myself as having meaningful professional expertise with all but 1 or 2 of the actual skills listed (although I've worked with each at one point or another). Yet, I would assume they thought I was a viable candidate for the position since it was sent my way. [1] position title : "Ruby on Rails developer"