The first step in hiring quality talent for your business is writing an enticing job description – it’s your chance to make a great impression. So, to help you get started, we’ve put together this guide on how to write a job description, covering some of the main elements and the secret to grabbing a candidate’s attention.
To get expert help with your recruitment, from job descriptions to onboarding, call our friendly team today on 0330 175 6601.
WHAT IS A JOB DESCRIPTION?
A job description is a summary of a job role and purpose. The intention is to provide all the information a potential candidate needs to apply for a job with your company, including title, summary, responsibilities and duties, necessary qualifications and skills as well as proposed salary and benefits.
WRITING A JOB TITLE
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to how to write an attractive job posting is not considering the title. This is the first thing people see when they look at your posting.
It’s also one of the most important factors in terms of how people search for jobs. You should keep the title relatively short and straightforward, and as relevant to the role as possible. Make sure you avoid any industry-specific jargon that might confuse applicants or make your listing harder to find.
CREATING A JOB SUMMARY
A strong summary is just as important as the title. It’s key to make sure that the most enticing information is near the top of the summary to draw in potential candidates.
You should use this as an opportunity to outline the role, your company and your expectations in a relatively short, punchy paragraph or two. Bullet point headline information such as location, hours, salary bracket and any specific qualifications needed.
OUTLINING THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Now you’ve taken care of the sales pitch part of the description, it’s time to let your candidates know what you’re expecting from them on a day-to-day basis. Part of how to write a job description is knowing how to attract the right talent, saving you from trawling through countless irrelevant or unsuitable applicants.
Put together a concise outline of the general responsibilities and duties of the job. One of the best ways to do this is using bullet points, so candidates can easily skim the information and make a quick, accurate decision about whether they think they’re up to the task.
INCLUDING QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Some roles require a specific skillset or minimum qualification levels. In terms of how to write a job specification, it’s obviously key to make these clear to save your time and that of potential candidates.
Break down what you need from applicants, both in soft skills such as organisation and tidiness and hard skills, like a particular university degree or level of practical experience. Make sure to present these clearly and highlight any points of particular importance.
HIGHLIGHTING SALARY AND BENEFITS
In a 2022 survey, LinkedIn found that 89% of US respondents stated that salary was one of the most important factors applicants would look for when applying for jobs. Being up front about the salary range you intend to offer candidates can drastically improve the number of applications you receive, and a competitive salary will attract the best talent.
Additionally, if your company offers benefits and perks, such as health insurance, additional holidays or bonus schemes, highlight them. These can be the details that sway candidates in your favour and away from competing employers.
FIND THE BEST TALENT WITH CLOVER HR
Knowing how to write a job description can be a real challenge. Hopefully our guide helps get you started, but there’s a lot more to recruitment than just the job posting.
For expert help with every aspect of your recruitment process, from job descriptions to interviews and onboarding, contact the friendly team at Clover HR. Speak to an advisor today on 0330 175 6601.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@cloverhr.co.uk or fill out our contact form.
