Because hundreds of thousands of jobs are being added to job boards each month, there is increased competition for job seekers. This is especially true with individuals who have outstanding resumes and work experience with top companies. To get these individuals, you need to stand out from the crowd, creating job descriptions that are going to grab people’s attention. Just like you want to get resumes and cover letters that are full of pertinent information, you also want to create a job description that is full of the information that applicants are looking for. When you are writing a job description, here are three important things to remember:
A Good Lead Can Make All the Difference
Just like a cover letter should contain a lead that instantaneous grabs your attention, a job description should have an impactful lead as well. The lead should have the information that a job seeker will find most important (what the job entails, qualifications needed, etc.). The opening should convey a clear picture of the position and what is expected to qualify for it. In addition, weave in benefits and opportunities that will entice them early in the post.
You Only Have a Short Time to Make an Impression
A recent study by The Ladders showed that the average job seeker only spends 77 seconds reading a job description. This means a person is only going to spend a little more than a minute deciding whether or not they are going to spend their valuable time applying. Remember, there is a lot involved in applying for a job. Even if you have a fairly easy application process, a person still needs to craft their resume and cover letter to the specifications listed on the job description. In less than 80 seconds, they should understand not only the job, but also decide that they want to work for your company.
Stick to the Facts and Cut Out The Fluff
Considering the amount of time a person is going to spend on a job description, it is important to cut out the fluff and focus on the facts. The Wall Street Journal suggests that a job description should stick to a 300-word maximum. While that might sound like a lot, if you stick to the facts it should be more than enough room. While it’s important to make the job sound interesting and important, most seekers aren’t going to read 700 words in a description. Write several drafts of your description before you send it out to the public.
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