Introduction to Job Postings

As a recruiter when you plan to fill an open position - the first step towards finding that right fit begins with the Job postings! But, as an insider to the hiring industry or even when you are not privy to this, you’ll agree that this primary step which is the trigger point for the entire process is highly underrated and to an extent overlooked as well. 

If you evaluate the trends and shifts that have happened for job posting over the last decade where we have made great improvements from newspaper to actively using platforms like Redrob, LinkedIn, and even social media for job openings. The hiring industry has made great improvements. 

But, as critical as it is for communication these posts also represent one’s company’s potential to candidates. Hence, there is some strategic blend of clarity, creativity, and inclusiveness that is required for crafting a perfect job posting. 

So, dear readers, this blog will cover all these steps you need to abide by and avoid when creating job postings that will help you attract the best talent whose intent aligns with your company’s culture and values.

Is this really that Important? 

Yes. This is the window through which the recruiter invites the attention of all the good, the qualified, and the best - this marks the first touchpoint between one organization and a potential employee. So, if the description sells the opportunity well the company gains not just an employee but an asset. 

Given the competitive job market, every company needs to advertise their vacancies in a way that attracts qualified candidates by weeding out those who just can clear the eligibility brackets.

Common Mistakes in Job Postings and its Solution

Structuring the Perfect Job Posting

Before drafting a job posting, it’s essential to know who your ideal candidate is. Consider the skills, experience, and characteristics that the perfect candidate would possess. This understanding will guide the tone and content of your posting.

The Essential Components of a Job Posting

6-Point Guide for Crafting an Engaging Job Description

1. Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities must be defined but also prioritize the most critical tasks that the candidate needs to fulfill which will allow the candidates to quickly assess whether they have the skills and experience needed for the role.

2.  Writing an Eye-Catching Job Title

Sometimes going basic is standing out hence we will recommend that you use common industry terms that candidates are likely to search for.

Examples of Effective Job Titles

3. Prioritizing Duties and Tasks

List the primary duties first, followed by secondary tasks. Use bullet points to make the information easy to scan.

4. Clear and Concise Language

Remember jargon can complicate things so use straightforward language this will allow candidates to understand the job’s requirements without needing a decoder.

5. Qualifications and Skills

Define your "must-have" qualifications while also clearly stating the "nice-to-have" skills. This will enable candidates to self-assess their fit for the role saving you a good amount of time in shortlisting.

Job Responsibilities Breakdown Example

6. Highlighting What Sets Your Company Apart

Refer to this Sample 

Enhancing the Candidate Experience

Step 1: Writing Clear and Defined Explanations

Step 2: Avoiding Biased Language in the Job Postings

Following are some of the commonly used phrases but we are providing you alternatives that are best for use. Give this a thorough read:

1. Statement 1: Looking for a young, energetic individual.

Alternate: Seeking a motivated and dynamic professional.

2. Statement 2: Strong command of the English language.

Alternate: Excellent communication skills.

3. Statement 3: He/she will manage the team.

Alternate: They will manage the team.

4. Statement 4: Cultural fit

Alternate: Cultural add.

Step 3: Optimizing for Search Engines and Job Boards

Just like any other online content, job postings benefit from search engine optimization (SEO). Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your job posting to improve its visibility.

Step 4: Using Technology to Improve Job Postings

There are platforms like Redrob that can help improve your job postings along with other tools like Textio and Gender Decoder. These tools analyze your language and provide suggestions for making your job descriptions more inclusive and effective. While these are also useful for ATS-compatibility which is crucial for reaching a wide audience. 

Understand that you need to use standard formatting and avoid images or special characters that might confuse these systems.

Tips for Improving ATS Compatibility

Summary of Key Points

Now that you have read about the dos and don'ts please start to appreciate the work that you do as a recruiter. This is not to promote anything that is superlative - this is one of the most important responsibilities that you undertake to get the candidate who can do their job and also become a contributor to a collaborative workspace. 

Hence, let's iterate what as a job provider you need to write the perfect job posting - first clarity, focus on inclusiveness, and effective communication that highlights the skill required. Also, remember to include: the job title, company overview with a detailed job description, and a strong call to action. In the job posting work, you can also use platforms like Redrob that offer an AI-powered writing facility with an applicant tracking system, hence this is also one of the ways you can use technology to create more effective and inclusive job postings.

FAQs 

1. How can I make my job post more inclusive?

Use gender-neutral language and avoid jargon; tools like Textio or Redrob can help.

2. Is SEO important for job postings?

Definitely, using SEO keywords improves your job post’s visibility.

3. How can I attract the best candidates?

For this try to highlight your company’s culture, benefits, and growth opportunities. This will definitely generate the traction for you.

4. How does technology help with job postings?

There are platforms like Redrob where AI assistance can ensure ATS compatibility. So, choose what is best for your company.