A well-written job posting is the gateway to attracting top-tier talent for your organization. It acts as a powerful tool that not only advertises the job, but also showcases your company culture and values. We find that spending more time crafting a creative culture piece with a specific call-to-action can significantly increase the quality of candidates as well as reduce time-to-fill. If we perform this step of our recruiting process well, everything thereafter becomes a bit easier. No one gets excited about the copied and pasted internal job description that includes language like “other duties as assigned.” To create an irresistible job posting that resonates with the best candidates, follow these essential steps:
Understand Your Needs
Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take the time to thoroughly understand the position you’re hiring for. Engage with the key stakeholders to identify key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Don’t over-inflate education/experience requirements; rather, get clear on the nice-to-haves vs. need-to-haves. This ensures that your job posting accurately reflects the role’s expectations.
Begin with an Impactful Introduction
Write your job posting in a friendly and conversational tone – one that can capture the attention of even the most passive of candidates. Your job posting’s opening paragraph should captivate readers, pique their interest and begin from a place of equity and inclusion. Introduce your company briefly, highlighting your mission and values. Share a concise but exciting overview of the role and how it contributes to the company’s success. When people read this introduction, they should be inspired to keep reading.
Outline Key Responsibilities & Skills
Blend the key qualifications with a comprehensive list of the position’s main responsibilities. Use concise and action-oriented language to clearly communicate what skills are required and what the job entails. For example, you could say, “Use your fanatical attention to detail to generate insightful reports for leadership meetings”. That way, your reader knows exactly why a certain skill is required.
Be specific about the role’s scope and expectations, ensuring candidates understand their potential impact on the organization. Today’s employees want meaning and purpose in even the most transactional of roles – find a way to connect their work to the bigger picture.
Emphasize Company Culture
Today’s job seekers are not just interested in the job; they also seek a cultural fit. Use a section to describe your company’s culture, values, and workplace environment. Highlight unique employee benefits, growth opportunities, and any awards or recognitions your company has received. Are there opportunities for learning, volunteering or teambuilding? Try to paint a picture of everyday life to give your reader a real taste of what to expect.
Share Compensation & Benefits Information
Though some employers prefer to keep this information confidential, being transparent about compensation and benefits can attract more qualified candidates. If you can’t disclose exact figures, provide a salary range and mention any other perks and benefits. Either way, be sure to close with highlighting what’s in it for THEM. If you’re not able to pay top-of-market, highlight non-tangible things like convenient parking, flex schedules, no weekend work, or holiday shut down weeks.
Include a Clear Call to Action
End the job posting with a strong call to action. Encourage candidates to apply by providing clear instructions on how to submit their applications. Mention the deadline for applications and express excitement about meeting potential candidates.
In Closing
Writing a compelling job posting is an art that requires clear articulation of your company’s values, offerings and the job opportunity. Remember, a well-crafted job posting not only showcases your company, but also serves as an indicator of how much you value your employees and their contributions. So, invest time and effort into crafting an irresistible job posting and watch the right candidates flock to your organization.
