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How to Craft Job Descriptions That Attract Top Talent

June 5, 2024

Creating a job description that accurately reflects the needs of your company while showcasing an appealing and exciting opportunity can be challenging. At High Country, we understand the intricacies involved in attracting top talent. Our goal is to serve as both a resource and consultant for our clients, ensuring your job descriptions not only capture attention but also lead to successful hires. 

Let the Hiring Manager Write the Job Description

One of the biggest mistakes companies make when creating job descriptions is having someone in Human Resources write and post it instead of the hiring manager. While HR professionals are capable of writing appealing and exceptional job descriptions, they may not fully represent the specific needs of a position like the hiring manager would. To attract candidates that truly fit the position, the hiring manager should take the time to create the job description. If the hiring manager is too busy to format it correctly, they should at least provide a bulleted list of all important aspects mentioned below.

Before developing the body of the job description, it is essential that the hiring team has fully thought out and collaborated on what the role will entail. If all relevant team members and leaders have not agreed on the responsibilities, there might be frustration once a role is accepted if expectations change from those mentioned in the job description.

Craft a Clear and Compelling Job Title and Summary

When deciding on a title, ensure it reflects the role’s responsibilities and seniority. Avoid getting fancy and using creative titles that might confuse candidates. Repeat this title throughout your job description to really emphasize the opportunity.

Following the job title, start with a brief but captivating summary that highlights the key purpose of the role, how the role fits within the company, and any key benefits or growth opportunities. Many applicants decide to apply based on this first impression.

Showcase Compensation, Benefits, and Company Culture and Values

Before listing out the “what” of the job, entice candidates with the “why.” Create a bulleted list that highlights compensation, bonus opportunities, benefits, professional development opportunities, and employee perks.

Include bullet points that describe what makes your company a great place to work, such as the work environment (hybrid, in-office, or remote), team dynamics, and company values. Clearly express how the available job fits within the company and its potential impact on the overall success of the company and its mission.

Detail Key Responsibilities, Skills, and Qualifications

When outlining responsibilities and expectations, focus on the most critical tasks and main duties. Use concise and clear language, and avoid listing every single task a candidate will be expected to do. Add a generic bullet such as “other duties as assigned” to account for any minor miscellaneous tasks.

Be realistic when listing the essential qualifications, experience, and technical skills required. Excessive and inflexible demands may deter potential candidates. Separate must-have qualifications from nice-to-have ones using phrases like “required” and “preferred.” This will allow candidates to assess their fit more accurately.

End with a Strong Call-to-Action

End with a clear call-to-action, encouraging candidates to apply. Provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to submit their application and any additional steps needed to be considered for the position.

Use Inclusive and Engaging Language

Ensure the job description uses gender-neutral language and avoids any terms that may deter diverse candidates. Consider writing in first or second person to create a personal connection with the candidate. Use phrases like “you will” instead of “the candidate will.”

Optimize with SEO-Friendly Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords throughout the job description to increase its visibility in search results. Think about your desired candidates and what words they would search for to find related roles. Look up methods for achieving search engine optimization for additional tips.

Keep Job Descriptions Updated

Regularly update job descriptions to reflect any changes in role requirements or company policies. Use an old job description as a starting point, but always update it with new and relevant information to ensure it is accurate and truly reflective of the job.

By following these best practices, you can create compelling job descriptions that attract highly qualified candidates who are not only skilled but also aligned with your company’s vision and goals. For additional tips or support, reach out to us directly! We are ready to work with you.

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