Tips to Write Job Descriptions That Will Attract the Best Candidates

Just as the candidates need the right jobs to secure their future, the companies also need the right candidates to propel their business.

In this age of digitization, job seekers rely heavily on online platforms to land their dream jobs increasing the importance of these platforms to meet their requirements.

Job descriptions play a critical role in increasing the chances of finding the right candidates for the role. Comprehensive job descriptions that provide a clear and definite idea about the position, roles and responsibilities along with a list of perks help the candidates better connect with the companies.

So, the thumb rule for attracting some great candidates to your company is writing job descriptions that not only catch their eyes but also lead them into applying for the job.

Here’s how to do that:

The title is important
The first step to writing an amazing job description is to craft the perfect title that catches the eyes of the candidates at once. Use the keywords that fit well into the context of the job and create the title around those keywords without stuffing. You can also buzzwords like ‘ninja’, ‘evangelist’, ‘creator’, ‘intrapreneurs’, and more to capture the hearts of millennials, who love these informal but power-packed expressions. A careful combination of the right keywords and these new-gen terms can create a job title that’s highly effective in getting the maximum attention of the job seekers.

Create a robust job overview
Before you get down to the job details, you should provide a small overview for the candidates to get a basic idea of what you need. The overview shouldn’t exceed 2-3 lines, where you explain, in clear and concise terms, the primary responsibilities and perks of the job. You should also highlight the importance of the job to society and how the candidates can grow in their career with this opportunity. Most millennials seek a role that will help them consolidate their careers and contribute to the world at large. You should try to bank in on this emotional need of the job seekers to create a job overview that engages maximum candidates, who may then decide to get into the details to learn more about the position.

Get an experienced person to write the description
Posting the job description on different platforms and tracking the responses may be the job of the HR team, but the description itself should be written by someone who has worked in that position before. For example, if you’re looking for a software developer, you should get a fellow developer to write the job description, as they know what exactly it takes to be successful in the role. You can do the final revision, but make sure you have all the points that’ll help the candidates get a clear picture of the job, their primary responsibilities, qualifications, and eligibility. The more detailed your description is, the greater chances you have in being on the radar of your potential candidates. Just make sure that the description is clear enough to help the candidates understand their day-to-day responsibilities within the company, regular contact point, extended roles, if any, and of course, the best salary they can get. Also, don’t forget to mention why they should join you and what else they are going to achieve apart from their wages.

Focus on the future
Many companies tend to provide more details about their achievements and recognitions in the past but fail to offer a clear idea of their future plans. As the candidates seek a futuristic opportunity for growth, such drum-beating on past merits won’t capture much of their attention. Hence, make it a point to describe your mission and vision in your job description along with the details of how the candidates can help to achieve the business goals you have. As they would love to be a part of your future growth, you should focus more on what you’re planning for them, as well as the company, instead of craving for attention over past achievements.

Mention the additional perks
According to a post by HR Zone in 2018, more than 40% of millennials are likely to work for employers who take a keen interest in their health and well being. Another report by Forbes reveals that 82% of millennials want their employers to promote their health and wellness along with that of the consumers. Hence, it becomes necessary for the employer to mention additional perks and amenities that they are going to provide their employees with, in the job description itself. If all they see in those descriptions is work, work, and more work, they will, most probably, skip those. You should also mention perks like a flexible schedule, remote working opportunities, and more to capture their interest.

Wrapping it up
The new generation of job seekers wants everything to be upfront, clear, and without hidden facts. ‘What you see is all there is’ is the motto their lives adhere to, and you should keep this in mind while creating the perfect job description for them. Seek the help of experienced professionals and discuss with your hiring managers before posting the job on a reputable platform. If the candidates find everything they seek in your description, the only thing that will be standing between them and you is a simple phone call.