Crafting Job Descriptions That Attract your Dream Candidates

When it comes to finding the ideal candidates for your team, writing an inviting job description is key. Not only does it tell candidates what you're looking for but also gets them excited about the role. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you draw in the right people:

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Advert structure

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You don’t need to follow a set structure, but make sure your advert tells a story.

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1. Set the scene with selling points about the company
2. Draw the reader in with selling points about the role/opportunity
3. Tell the reader if they’re eligible
4. Motivate the reader to apply by highlighting what’s in it for them

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Increasing applications

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1. Write to your target candidate

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The goal of posting this advert is to encourage a suitable candidate to submit an application.

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Your target audience is therefore suitable candidates, so write your advert to them.

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For example:

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If you’re hiring a Senior Account Executive, suitable candidates already know what an Account Executive does on a daily basis, so don’t waste words on this.

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If you’re hiring an entry-level Sales Development Representative, use broader terminology and outline role responsibilities.

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2. Cover all bases

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Picture yourself as the target candidate. What would you want to know before applying for a vacancy?

• Is this a good company to work for?
• How has the company grown in recent years?
• Which markets do they have presence in?
• What’s the role?
• What’s the job title and where does this fit within the team?
• Are there opportunities to progress?
• What are the logistics?
• What’s the location?
• What’s the set-up?
• What package is on offer?
• What’s the fixed salary?
• What’s the OTE?
• What does the commission structure look like, if there is one? Is it uncapped?
• Are there stock options?
• Am I eligible to apply?
• What are the must-haves?

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We think these are the key points you should be ticking off with every description you are writing -

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1. Kick Off with a Clear Job Title ✒️

• Start by picking a job title that makes sense and accurately reflects the role.
• Steer clear of funky or confusing titles that might leave candidates scratching their heads.

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2. Give 'Em the Lowdown 🖼️

• Begin with a brief paragraph that sums up the job's main responsibilities and why it matters in your organisation.
• Make sure to highlight how this role fits into the big picture.

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3. Break Down the Nitty-Gritty 💼

• List out the main tasks and responsibilities the candidate will handle.
• Use bullet points to keep things clear and easy to read.
• Focus on the most important tasks, no need to overwhelm them with every little detail.

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4. Spell Out the Must-Haves ✅

• Clearly state what you absolutely need in a candidate, like education, experience, and skills.
• Make a distinction between "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves."
• Keep it realistic to attract a diverse bunch of candidates.

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5. Highlight What Matters ✨

• Mention the key skills and qualities they'll need to succeed (think leadership, communication, problem-solving).
• Explain why these qualities are crucial for the role.

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6. Talk About the Team 🧑🤝🧑

• Describe where this role fits in your company, including who they'll be working with and who they'll report to.
• If they'll be in charge of a team, mention that too.

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7. Show Off Your Culture 💃

• Share a quick glimpse of your company's culture and values so candidates get a sense of what you're all about.
• Explain how this role contributes to upholding those values.

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8. Let's Talk Benefits 🤸

• If you can, mention the salary range or perks. In this day and age, transparency with salary is what candidates love to see
• Highlight any cool benefits your company offers.

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9. Tell Them How to Apply ⌚

• Clearly explain how candidates should apply (online, email, special portal, you name it!).
• If there's a deadline, be sure to mention it.

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10. Keep It Inclusive 💞

• Make sure your language is welcoming and inclusive to encourage a diverse group of applicants.
• Go for gender-neutral terms and mention your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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11. Polish and Perfect: An important step you do not want to miss out 🎇

• Write adverts in your own words. Don’t copy and paste from a job description if you are recruiting on behalf of a company - candidates can Google your advert and apply directly or other recruiters could identify your client and chase the lead
• Read your advert before posting it and run your advert through Grammarly before publishing. Grammatical errors come across as unprofessional.
• Check the formatting of your advert (especially on LinkedIn) before posting. Make sure it’s well-spaced, sub-headings are in bold, etc.

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Now you've read these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting job descriptions that not only attract the right candidates but also set the scene for building a fantastic team. 🌟

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