How to Write An Effective Job Description: The Dos and Don'ts
When you're looking to fill a position in your company, the job description is one of the most important tools you have. A good job description will help attract the best candidates, while a lousy job description can scare people away. So what makes for a good job description? This article will teach you how to write an effective job description as well as talk about some common mistakes.
The Importance of an Effective Job Description
We've mentioned this in the beginning but can't stress it enough; a good job description is essential because it can help you attract the best candidates. If the applicant doesn't already know your company, they get their first impression by just your job description, similar to a cover letter.
5 tips on How to Write An Effective Job Description
1. Use clear, concise language
When writing a job description, you want to use clear and concise language that accurately describes the position. Avoid using vague terms or phrases that could mean different things to different people. For example, instead of saying "strong communication skills," be specific about what type of communication the job requires, like verbal or written.
2. Be specific about the duties and responsibilities of the position
In addition to using clear language, you should also be specific about the duties and responsibilities of the position. Listing out the specific tasks that the job requires will help applicants determine if they are a good fit for the role. This is one of the most critical parts of the job description, so provide as much detail as you can. Who will this person be reporting to, will the job require travel, the expected hours, who will they be working with, anything and everything related to the job.
3. Be Honest
One of the biggest mistakes companies make is trying to lure candidates in with a job that's not actually what the position entails. This can lead to disappointment on the part of the candidate, and it can also be a waste of everyone's time. Be honest in your job descriptions, and make sure that the position you are advertising is the position you are trying to fill.
4. Talk about company culture
Culture is a huge part of the organization, so you'll want to make sure you talk about it in your job description. This doesn't mean you have to go into detail about the company's history, but you should mention how the company operates, what the work culture is like, and what the values are. This will give potential applicants a better idea of what it would be like to work for your company.
5. Include salary
The last tip is to include a salary or salary range. Some companies like to omit the salary and write "salary is competitive" well, if it's so competitive, why not mention it? Salary is a big part of the job. Stand out from other employers by adding the salary band to your job description to help attract best-fit candidates.
Common Mistakes Made When Writing Jobs Descriptions
We've gone through all the things you should do. Now let's talk about some of the most common mistakes companies make when writing their job description.
1. Using "rockstar" or "ninja" in the job title
Sometimes a company will use power words such as "rockstar" or "ninja" in their job title. While this can showcase your company's laid back culture, it might not be the best way to get people to find your job posting. After all, you want people to find your job posting, so you'll want to include keywords that candidates are typing. For example, instead of writing "digital marketing guru" write "digital marketing coordinator."
2. Describing the position in too much or too little detail
Another common mistake is describing the position in either too much or too little detail. Too much detail can turn off potential candidates as they may feel that the job position is disorganized and cluttered. On the other hand, they won't know what they are getting if it's too vague. You want to provide enough information so that candidates know what they are applying for.
3. Focusing on the wrong things
Sometimes companies will focus too much on the company's culture or the benefits of the position instead of listing out the important duties and responsibilities. Although it is a vital aspect of the job, it's important to remember that potential candidates are looking to see if this position fits them. They want to know what they will be doing day-to-day. So make sure to focus on the critical things that the job entails and not just the culture.
The most important thing to remember when writing an effective job description is that it should provide enough information for the applicant to know if this position is right for them. Remember, you only have a few minutes to impress your potential employee, so you want to be short and to the point but have enough information.
If you're tired of looking for talented candidates with no luck, reach out to us! We're sure we can help you find the perfect employee for you.
