When you’re hiring for a new role, the job description is often the first touch point between your organisation and your potential new addition to the team. As such, it’s imperative the job description is clear and enticing in order to attract a high calibre.
Ensure the job description has a clear title
It sounds like a simple point, but the job title needs to be concise and unambiguous. There have been many examples of businesses being more vague in their job description to attract a wider range of candidates, but doing this is likely to dilute the quality of applicants and put off the people who might actually be best-suited to the role.
Ensure the content of your job description is engaging
Much like the job title, the description itself has to be clear and concise. Candidates tend to skim read job descriptions, so it’s important to make sure nothing is elongated and there’s a lack of jargon or confusing phrases that could be a turn-off for prospective candidates.
Paint a picture of their average day
Some of the most effective job descriptions are those which help give candidates a clear picture of how they’ll spend their average day at work. Many job descriptions often give a vague idea of what the role involves, but it should describe a range of core responsibilities and tasks that will help the applicant visualise themselves in the role.
What will people like about working for you?
The days of candidates choosing their next employment purely on the basis of salary are gone – they’re looking for much more in the way of workplace culture, career and personal development support, as well as additional perks of the job. Whether it’s free gym membership, opportunity to take part in training courses or a generous annual leave structure, make sure you’re selling yourself as effectively as possible. With the recent figures emerging of there being record levels of employment opportunity – around 1,000,000 vacancies – you’re likely to be competing for candidates with other employers more than ever., meaning it’s never been more important to make yourself look as appealing as possible.
Last, but definitely not least… we mentioned that candidates are looking for far more from potential employers than just the salary, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook disclosing it! Job descriptions which clearly outline what the successful applicant will be earning receive far more applications than those which leave it out.
If you’re looking to bring in some new recruits and want help with attracting the best talent, get in touch with the Baxter Williams team today.
