Do’s & Don’ts on your job description. How to attract the right candidates?

December 6th, 2017

If your mailbox is bursting from the applications which don’t really level up with your company needs, then it’s about time to take a close look at the way you communicate with your potential employees.

We share with you list of Do’s and Don’ts, you should keep in mind, while drafting an engaging job description.

WORKING TITLE

DO:

  • Be specific. An effective title contains precise information’s regarding the industry, function, and level of the role. For example, instead Analyst consider using Senior Business Analyst.
  • Make it understandable for the candidates outside of your company. Keep your job title basic, but accurate at the same time.

DON’T:

  • Don’t use acronyms. Terms like Mgr. Sr. Mgmt. are not consistently used and can be confusing for most of the candidates.
  • Don’t use cheesy or idiomatic phrases. Avoid adding quirky expressions, like a rock star, ninja, or guru to your job title. This can send out unprofessional impression and undermine your efforts in getting the best talents.

JOB SUMMARY
Screenshot (3)
DO:

  • List all basic information’s important for candidates. Including the job location, business area and type of work (part-time/full time/internship) –  example
  • Remember to specify if opportunity is paid or not to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Show your company culture and personality. Make it clear what do you stand for and what kind of people you need while growing your vision.
  • Write in a direct and personal way, using your company’s voice. Make your candidate feel like you are speaking directly to him.
  • Try to make the candidate passionate about his future job by pointing out the most important challenges he will face at work.

DON’T:

  • Don’t go overboard. Candidates can look you up elsewhere so try to keep your company overview to about two sentences.
  • Don’t use too much jargon. Avoid packing up the job description with company slang or cliché phrases. Last thing you want, is to create confusion and drag attention from what really matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

DO:

  • Specify the area of work. You can share information about the project and technologies the candidate will be working with.
  • Focus on the critical activities. List only key responsibilities that are crucial to the job position.
  • Use informative and short sentences that clarify your expectations.

DON’T:

  • Don’t list too many responsibilities. It might be overwhelming for the candidate.
  • Don’t include irrelevant tasks in your job description which are not connected with the main role.

QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS

DO:

  • List the main skills in order of importance. It will help the potential candidates to scan the list quickly and estimate their chances accordingly.
  • Make it clear which skills are essential for the position and which ones might be useful.

DON’T:

  • Don’t have unrealistic expectations. When listing skills, avoid bombing candidate with too many requirements, it will only work against you.
  • Don’t include specific personal traits. Focus mostly on a professional profile of your future employee.

FORMATTING
JTI Capture

DO:

  • Use bullet points, links, and attention-grabbing headers to make your post readable.
  • Make spaces between sections. It will give your text light and organized look.
  • Apply appealing design to your job post, including pictures connected to your company –  example

DON’T:

  • Don’t make mistakes. Having spelling or grammar errors always makes you look unprofessional.
  • Don’t make it too long. The best job offer is easy to read and deliver the most important information.

Writing a job description is no rocket science. Remember to outline the opportunity in a clear and  informative way. Also, don’t forget to put the timeline on the recruitment process, so the candidates know when to expect the answer. Mastering those simple rules, can save a lot of time and effort. Follow them and soon you will start welcoming the right candidates at your door.

In order to check the best practices of job posting visit  https://www.hipo.ro/

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