Employers, we know hiring is a laborious task. Ease your workload by letting your job description do the initial work for you. Writing effective job descriptions can do wonders to attract quality candidates from the get-go.
Start on the right foot with job description tips you can implement today!
1. Don’t just describe. Advertise.
In a competitive talent market, recruitment isn’t just about screening candidates. A large part of recruitment nowadays requires marketing know-how. Instead of approaching your job description as a mere – well, description – think of it as an advertisement.
But what’s the difference?
A job advertisement is written to attract more applications. Don’t try to use your job description to screen candidates at this stage, your goal is to attract as many good candidates as possible, not keep them out.
Skip this: “You will be responsible to prepare monthly financial reports for submission to your manager.”
Do this instead: “You will play a key role in preparing important financial information for management to make strategic decisions.”
Angling your job description this way tells the reader the importance and impact of the role. It’s easy to see how this simple change can excite quality candidates that look forward to contributing to your company!
2. Keep it Simple.
It’s no surprise why the tried and true KISS Principle is a favourite amongst designers and marketers alike. The cheeky abbreviation for “Keep It Simple, Stupid” proves that less is more and over at Hiredly, we believe in keeping it 80/20.
Make your job advertisements concise and simple. Try keeping it at a maximum of 4 to 5 responsibilities and requirements.
Think about it: If you can’t explain the job concisely and simply, do you understand the role well enough? If you don’t, then it’s likely the candidate won’t either!
Keeping things simple also requires less time and effort on your end. What’s not to love about this win-win approach?
3. Highlight the company, not the job.
Candidates don’t just choose jobs – they choose employers they want to work for. It’s the company that makes all the difference amongst a sea of similar job advertisements.
The next time you’re writing up your job description, be sure to include information about what makes you attractive as an employer apart from what the job entails.
Quality candidates do their research so they’ll be snooping around your website, company profile and social media for extra information about you! Spruce up these digital spaces and show off what makes your company a great place to work at.
4. Cast a wide net.
Broaden the requirements for the job as much as possible. Narrow requirements are barriers to application.
Bad candidates don’t read job requirements so you can count on them to apply anyway. Requirements that are too narrow and strict can limit your chances of finding a good quality candidate.
Cast a wider net so you can capture more quality resumes and discover hidden gems you would have missed out on!
5. Direct them to the next action.
Ask any copywriter and they’ll tell you a Call-to-Action (CTA) is crucial for any posts or advertisements.
Sure, advertising your job on Hiredly comes with a clear “Apply Now” CTA button but sometimes including a quick nudge or instruction at the end of your job description is all it takes to push a quality candidate to take action.
Here are 3 effective CTA ideas to steal:
1. Be specific and let them know what they can expect.
“Click ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll review your application and give you a call within 1 week.”
2. Inject some personality and humanise your CTA.
“If you think you have what it takes, apply now and join us on our mission to make hiring EASY!”
3. Create a sense of urgency.
“Apply now before April 30th to land a job interview with us!”