Three Tips for an Eye-Catching Job Description

When you’re trying to attract top talent, every detail matters. That includes the thing that will make them aware of you in the first place: the job description. It’s important to write a job description that not only communicates all the vital information about the job, but also catches the eye of the type of employee you’re hoping to hire.

Here are three tips that will help you do just that.

• Pay attention to the title. Coming up with the right title for your job description may seem like the easy part, but there are a couple ways it could go wrong. Some companies, for example, get too creative with their job descriptions, using terminology like “ninja” or “rockstar” to describe their ideal candidate. That may be a turnoff for serious candidates. Plus, it may make your listing harder to find, since job-seekers are probably not searching for available “ninja developer” positions.
  
  Similarly, candidates won’t be searching for positions that are completely unique to your company. Instead of using esoteric job titles, keep it general. For example, instead of “Client Advocate,” stick with the more widely recognized “Customer Service Representative.”
  
  In short, think about what people will be searching for when looking for this position. Keep it simple and easy to understand.

• Include company values. Introducing your company is a given in any job description, but if you can, take it a step further by incorporating your company’s values or mission into your job descriptions. This will help your company stand out above the rest. For example, instead of saying “We have been offering marketing services for the past 10 years,” you could say, “We are passionate about helping our clients tell their company’s stories in creative, forward-thinking ways.”
  
  The idea behind this is that it will hopefully help you attract a candidate that already shares those values. Hiring a culture fit means a better chance of long-term success with your new employee.

• Use clear and descriptive language. The majority of your job description will include outlining the requirements for your new hire, the responsibilities they can expect to take on, and the benefits they’ll receive. In each case, the key is being clear while also being compelling.
  
  Make sure your job description is crystal clear about the requirements applicants must have (experience, education, training, certification, skills, etc.); the responsibilities they’ll be given (day-to-day work, any leadership expectations, etc.); and benefits and compensation (salary range, dress code, work-from-home options, insurance plans, etc.).
  
  Do your best to paint a picture of what working for your company is like, and why it makes your employees’ lives better. Do they save money because you keep unlimited snacks and drinks in the kitchen? Are you centrally located so that they can walk to restaurants for their lunch break? Do you promote work-life balance by offering work-from-home days? Illustrate these things in your job description.

Creating an eye-catching job description is less about being flowery and gimmicky, and more about being straightforward, compelling, and transparent. If you can set clear expectations while also making a convincing argument for your workplace, you’ll have plenty of qualified candidates knocking on your door in no time.