Dear Writer’s Block,

Job descriptions can be hard to pin down, but writing a good one isn’t impossible. What follows are a few tips and tricks for writing a job description that will attract amazing candidates. 

A relevant job title

It can be all too tempting to get overly creative with your job title. After all, advertising for a “rockstar” developer sounds a lot more fun than a full-stack web developer.

The trouble with overly weird or fun job titles is simple: they’re not searchable.

When it comes to crafting your job title, opt for relevancy over flashiness. Keep your keywords in mind and ensure your audience is able to find your ad.

A short, engaging overview

Humans are busy creatures so you have to capture their attention fast. Including a short, engaging overview of the job at the forefront of your description is essential for hooking potential candidates.

The one-to-four sentence overview should describe the job’s major function, how it benefits the candidate, and how it contributes to company objectives. You want to draw the reader in and make them want to engage with the rest of your piece but also give them enough information that they’ve already half made up their mind.

Responsibilities that don’t overwhelm

No one wants to read a bullet list of boring daily tasks. When crafting your responsibilities list, try to list the key functions of the role in five to seven bullet points. It might seem difficult to condense a role that far, particularly if it’s complex, but doing so will be a boon for your application rate.

Overview of business culture

Humans are social creatures. We like to fit in and have our strengths recognized. This is why it’s essential your job description gives an overview of your business culture.

You essentially want to answer the question, “will I be a good fit and really enjoy working there?”

A great way to highlight your business culture is to list any perks or workplace bonuses the job has going for it. Is there an on-site gym? Flexible work hours? Happy hour Fridays? Give these things a shout-out in your job description.

Gender-neutral language

Gender-biased language can be subtle but it can be incredibly detrimental to the quality (and quantity) of candidates that apply for your role. When crafting your job description, make sure you’re not accidentally excluding half the population.

Innovation

Candidates often trawl through hundreds of job descriptions so it’s in your best interest to stand out from the crowd. Including creative or innovative touches is a great way to capture interest and boost your application rate.

A great example of this is a video spot. Why not include a video of the hiring manager or potential colleagues explaining the job? This shakeup of the traditional written description will go a long way to ensuring your job listing is memorable.

And now, it’s time to write

Job descriptions are essential for drawing in candidates and boosting your application rate. But they’re not as easy as they seem. With these six tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to writing more engaging job descriptions.

Sincerely,
Jenny