The content within your job description will have a significant influence on the types of people who apply to work for your company. Word choice and how you describe a job will impact who applies and who doesn’t. Putting careful thought into how you write job descriptions should not be overlooked.

write better job descriptions

Clear and well-thought-out job descriptions will benefit candidates and your recruitment team. Here are some ways to create more compelling and effective job descriptions

HIRE BETTER TODAY

1. Eliminate ambiguity

A common issue with job descriptions is they are vague. They use wishy-washy terminology that does more harm than good. This makes it more challenging for candidates to understand if they have the right qualification or not.

Eliminate ambiguity by writing clearly and concisely. For example, don’t say you are hiring for an entry-level position when you are really looking for someone with 3 years of industry experience.

2. Tell candidates why they should apply

It’s important to communicate what is in it for the candidates if they get the job. Talk about the perks you offer, outline the employee benefits packages, and professional development program. Clearly define the top advantages of working for your company. These points are the key differentiators between what you can offer compared to a competing company hiring for a similar role.

3. Define the “must-haves”

There are certain skills and qualifications that employers would classify as deal-breakers. These are the non-negotiable things that candidates must possess in order to qualify for the job. Make these abundantly clear in the job description. Draw attention to them. You could even highlight them in bold if you prefer. This will help candidates gain a better understanding of whether or not they should apply for the position.

4. Choose your words carefully

The words you use and how you say things matter. Here are some ways you can improve your job description:

  • Entice candidates by using action words
  • Focus on facts
  • Avoid using jargon and industry slang
  • Don’t exaggerate
  • Keep it simple – use headers and bullet lists to make it scannable and easy to read

Get More Tips to Improve Your Job Description by Checking Out These Posts on Our Blog

Are Your Job Descriptions Lacklustre? 5 Tips to Immediately Improve Your Job Description

3 Ways to Find the Needle in the Haystack in a Job Market Flush with Candidates

What Candidates Are Really Attracted to in Your Job Listing

 

 

IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.

Steven Petroff Legal Recruiter

Steven Petroff

As a member of both our Accounting and Legal practices, Steven specializes in the recruitment of lawyers, law clerks, accountants, and investment advisors across a number of industries. Steven supports a large network of candidates as a LinkedIn Profile Expert and Career Coach.

Hire Better,
Hire Smarter
73.3% of our clients are repeat customers. They trust us to help them hire better.
Hire Better
The Smarter Way to Find Your Next Job
Because smart people make great companies.
Get Hired