Writing Powerful Job Descriptions

With IT professionals in high demand many recruiters are reporting reduced applicant flow for their open positions. There are many things you can do to improve the flow of qualified applicants. I suggest starting at the beginning by writing powerful job descriptions. Simply listing qualifications and job responsibilities isn’t enough. A well-crafted job description also serves as a sales pitch designed to attract top talent. Here are a few tips to help you create engaging job descriptions.

Clear Job Title

Creating clear and appropriate job titles for your positions is the first step toward attracting the right applicants. Let’s say you are recruiting a retail cashier. If you list the job title as Finance and Accounting Specialist, you will not likely attract the right applicants for the job.

Outline Qualifications

This should be very straight forward and easy for applicants to understand. Simply outline all of your education, work experience, certifications, etc. that are required.

Explain the Position

Rather than creating a list of tasks, this is your opportunity to paint a picture for the candidates. Walk them through their duties and with a series of short, easy to understand explanations. After reading the explanation your applicants should have a good idea of what a typical day on the job will be like.

No Jargon Please

Avoid jargon and buzzwords to keep your message on point. You aren’t looking for a guru or a rock star, you are looking for a professional.

Pitch the Position and Your Company

Remember when I said that a well-crafted job description is a sales pitch? This is your time to explain why applicants want to onboard with your company. You definitely want to describe compensation structure, benefits, and perks, but don’t stop there. Describe your company’s culture and give them a glimpse of what a great place it is. You’ve already outlined what the employee will do for the company. Now let them know what the company will do for them.

Check Your Work

When you have finished writing your job description it is a good idea to have people who are or have recently been in the position to proofread it. Their frontline feedback will ensure you have a winning job description.

Danielle Foppe is a Recruitment Manager at Business Centric Technology. If you are interested in learning more about how to get the best IT talent in the Dallas metroplex, contact Danielle specializes in recruiting IT talent in Dallas, Ft. Worth and North Texas. If you are looking for a rewarding career contact us today.