When you’re looking for high-quality candidates, the quality of your job descriptions matters. Poorly written or overly vague job listings won’t resonate with top talent. As a result, any applications you receive may not meet your company’s needs.
Fortunately, creating a solid, informative job description that attracts skilled professionals isn’t overly challenging. Your company needs to make sure the correct information is present. Here’s a look at what to include in a job description.
Make the Job Title Clear
When choosing a job title to associate with a position, make sure it’s specific to the role. Additionally, forgo quirky or unconventional job titles that are functionally proprietary.
Many professionals use job titles when conducting searches, so you want to align the position’s title with what candidates are likely to use. Further, nontraditional job titles aren’t always easy to understand, so sticking with more conventional options is better.
Have a Compelling Summary
The first paragraph inside the job description should be a compelling summary that draws candidates in and encourages them to keep reading. Please provide an overview of your company, including its primary industry and a key differentiator, preferably a point about its culture. Then, offer a synopsis of what the job entails and how it supports the broader organization.
Within this summary, it’s wise to state the job’s location. That removes ambiguity about where the chosen candidate will report to work, ensuring those who apply are willing to commute.
Outline the Responsibilities
A bulleted list outlining the responsibilities associated with the job helps candidates envision how they’ll spend their time. Ideally, you want to discuss the activities that take place during a typical day, as well as highlight any project-related duties. That allows candidates to fully assess the position and determine whether they have the skills to handle those activities.
Create a Concise Must-Haves List
Once it’s time to outline any must-have skills, experience, or education, focus on keeping the list short. Only include capabilities or credentials that are legitimately required on day one when working in the position.
Keeping the list short is to prevent capable candidates from screening themselves out. Some job seekers won’t apply unless they have everything you’re requesting, so make sure you only include genuine must-haves and not nice-to-haves in the list.
Include a Salary Range and Benefits Breakdown
Candidates are increasingly avoiding job listings that don’t have salary ranges. Primarily, it’s because they don’t want to incidentally waste time on hiring processes at companies that aren’t prepared to offer a pay rate they’re open to accepting. Similarly, offering an overview of benefits allows candidates to determine if the package covers their needs.
By listing a salary range and synopsis of benefits, those applying are more likely to accept an offer. Mainly, that’s because they know what the company provides before applying. They typically won’t send in a resume if they aren’t comfortable with what’s presented.
Are You Looking for Skilled Candidates to Join Your Team?
Having a well-written job description is only part of the hiring equation. If you need skilled candidates for your open positions, Premier Staffing Inc. can help. Contact us today.