Writing an effective job description: A recruiters guide
Recruitment is competitive, making it harder to attract top talent for your business. So, when you’re on the lookout for new people to join your team, it’s not as simple as throwing together a list of responsibilities of the job role, telling someone a salary, and offering generic benefits. You have to stand out from the crowd!
Creating a job description that is appealing is crucial to drawing in top candidates and guaranteeing that they are a good fit for your company.
As seasoned recruiters, we’ve learned the ins and outs of writing effective job descriptions that not only outline job requirements but also entice candidates to apply.
Here’s our guide on how to write the perfect job description and attract the type of talent that will take your business to new heights:
Start with a Clear Job Title:
Firstly, as simple as it may seem, make sure the job title is clear and concise. It should accurately reflect the role and responsibilities while also being appealing to potential candidates. Avoid using internal jargon or overly creative titles that might confuse applicants. A clear and straightforward job title increases the visibility of your job posting in search results and helps candidates understand what the position entails.
For example, if you’re looking for a Machine Operator that you internally call ‘Machine Ops’, it’s important you avoid using this terminology and causing any confusion.
Outline Key Responsibilities:
If you were looking for a new job, you’d want to know what it entailed before you proceed wouldn’t you? So, why shouldn’t you offer potential candidates the same experience!
Provide a detailed overview of the primary duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Break down tasks into bullet points for clarity and prioritise them based on importance.
Avoid overwhelming candidates with an exhaustive list of responsibilities, focusing instead on the core functions of the job. Highlight any unique or challenging aspects of the role to attract candidates seeking growth opportunities.
Most importantly, be as transparent as possible. If it’s a job that requires lots of heavy lifting, or long hours, don’t avoid the fact. Being open about job responsibilities will organically filter out any candidates not fit for the role.
Specify Required Qualifications:
Clearly define the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to excel in the role. Separate essential qualifications from preferred qualifications to help candidates self-assess their fit for the position.
Be realistic about the level of experience required, avoiding overly restrictive criteria that might discourage qualified candidates from applying.
Consider including soft skills and personality traits that are crucial for success in the role and within your organisation’s culture.
It’s important to truly define what it is that you’re looking for in order to fill in this section of the job description. Do you care more about someone who has a master’s degree or someone with life experience and a great attitude?
Emphasise Company Culture and Values:
As much as you’re the one on the lookout for someone great to join your team, it’s also important to understand that people are far more likely to apply for a role that showcases the benefits and value of working for them.
Think, ‘Why would someone want to work with us?’… and answer the question in your job ad. This way you’re more likely to attract a higher volume of applicants that you can filter through.
Incorporate information about your company’s culture, values, and mission statement to give candidates a sense of what it’s like to work for your organisation. Highlight any unique perks, benefits, or career development opportunities that set your company apart from competitors. Use language that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your employer brand to attract candidates who share your values and vision.
Optimise for Search Engines:
The more your job ad is seen, the more likely you are to reach the type of talent you’re looking for. So, it’s important you’re taking advantage of SEO tools, relevant job forums, and popular job boards in order to reach your target audience.
You can do this by utilising relevant keywords throughout the job description to improve search engine visibility and attract qualified candidates. Incorporate terms related to the job title, industry, skills, and location to ensure your job posting appears in relevant search results. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on natural language that accurately reflects the job requirements and responsibilities.
Include Clear Application Instructions:
Provide clear and concise instructions on how to apply for the position, including any required documents or additional steps. Specify the preferred method of application (e.g., online application portal, email, etc.) and provide contact information for inquiries.
Make it easy for candidates to understand the application process and follow through with their application, this way you avoid people getting so far and then giving up because they can’t understand how to apply.
It’s also important to make sure the application process fits with the job role. For example, if you need someone who has specific experience and essential qualifications, then it makes sense to include questions in the application that can help identify these things before you get to the interview stage. But, if you don’t need someone who is qualified, or has experience, then don’t add in unnecessary questions, and long-winded processes. – make it quick and easy.
To conclude, crafting the perfect job description requires careful consideration of the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and company culture.
By following these guidelines, recruiters can create job descriptions that attract top talent, align with their employer brand, and ultimately lead to successful hires.
Remember to regularly review and update job descriptions to reflect evolving business needs and maintain relevance in the competitive job market.