How to Write an Effective Job Description
Posted May 8th, 2015
If you are struggling to recruit and retain IT professionals who can further your strategic goals, the problem could be the way you’re searching for them. The first way you connect with candidates is through your job description, and the simple fact is that most job descriptions are not written correctly. In general, they are too long and say the wrong things, attracting the attention of job seekers that you have no intention of hiring. Use the strategies below to refine your job descriptions into laser-focused recruiting tools.
Pick the Right Job Title
The title is the first thing a candidate sees, so it needs to describe the role perfectly. Make sure that you are not using esoteric terminology or trying to be too creative. In most cases, this will only make it harder for relevant job seekers to find it.
Look Past a Task List
Most job description simply list the day-to-day responsibilities of the person in the job. Make yours more engaging by talking about where your company is headed, and how the chosen candidate will contribute to that growth. People who are excited to be a part of your future will apply.
Rely on Your Current Staff
Job descriptions are often written by HR professionals who don’t fully understand what the responsibilities and culture will be like for the person hired. Enlist someone with a closer, more relevant perspective to help you get your description right.
Create Urgency
The best recruiting period is a short recruiting period. Encourage people to apply early by listing start and end dates, and inviting them to contact specific individuals rather than generic departments.
Highlight Your Culture
Culture fit is one of the major criteria you will use to evaluate your candidates, so make sure applicants know what you are looking for by making it a feature of your job description. Talk about the benefits, perks, and bonuses that candidates can expect, and make sure they know what makes your company unique.
Scrutinize Yourself
A surprising number of job descriptions contain spelling and grammar errors and poor writing. If you want to attract top talent, you need to establish yourself as a top employer.
Innovate
Job seekers pour through hundreds, even thousands of job descriptions. Make yours stand out by adding video and graphics, or inviting video resumes and Skype interviews.
Even with the perfect job description, locating that one perfect professional that is going to make a difference at your company for the next decade is a challenge. Find more resource to assist you in your search by working with Bayside Solutions.
