Simple Job Description Changes That Will Make a Big Difference

04 Apr Simple Job Description Changes That Will Make a Big Difference

When you post an open position, are people flooding your inbox with applications, or is it more like a drought? 

If you’re having trouble drawing attention to job postings, maybe it’s the description. 

Potential applicants want to know more than just the hours and a basic work description; they need to know a little more about the company and what it’s like to work there. Additionally, the language you’re using might unintentionally be driving some people away. 

Here’s how to make a few changes to your job descriptions and see a big difference: 

• Provide more details about the job itself. Is this a nonstop, go-go-go job or one that might have some downtime periodically? Will the person in this position be able to learn new skills or do they have to come in fully trained and prepared to hit the ground running? Is lifting or carrying heavy items required? Will travel be part of the job at all and, if so, how much? Be specific and give applicants a real sense of their daily responsibilities, objectives and tasks so they can understand what will be expected of them. Also, avoid buzzwords: we’d all like to be a “rockstar,” “ninja” or “guru,” but those words are probably far from the reality of the situation; instead, talk specifically about the importance of this position within your company. 

• Talk about the future. We’re in the middle of something that’s being called the Great Resignation and, after the past two years, people are reconsidering how they view work. What might offer some incentive to people who have lost their job due to the pandemic or might not be looking for full-time work right now is to take the longer view. Does your company offer training or workshops to keep employees’ skills sharp? Is there the possibility of advancement within the company? Can this job be a career-builder for the right person? If you want an employee to invest their time with your company, is there any opportunity for them to get something else out of their work other than their salary? 

• Be cautious of limiting language. Make sure to have at least a few people read the job description before it publishes to make sure any unconscious bias is eliminated. Job descriptions that have been used for years might incorporate outdated language or imply limitations on the kinds of applicants who will be considered for the job. You want to be inclusive and welcoming in order to attract a large number of applicants. 

• Make sure the description is accurate. This is a great opportunity to call in people who already work for you and double-check what the open position actually entails. A job description that’s been around for a while might not fully represent this role’s full responsibilities. The job might be bigger or smaller than you think — it’s probably shifted and changed over the years and might incorporate pieces and parts of a handful of other jobs by now. You don’t want to mislead someone who comes in thinking a job is one thing only to find it’s much more. 
• Talk about the culture. People want a sense of where they’re going to work before they apply for a job. Provide some details on your company culture: Does your company sponsor a local youth sports team? Is there a company picnic each year? Does the whole place shut down for a day each summer to help with a community beautification project? Are birthdays acknowledged and other holidays celebrated as a group? Think of the little human touches that your company offers that might make yours a welcoming work environment, even if it might seem like nothing out of the ordinary. You don’t know where applicants are coming from and how they were treated in their current job; a friendly and fun environment might tip the scales in your favor. 

A readable, interesting and forward-looking job description helps a potential applicant start to imagine themselves coming to work for you. If they can do that, that might be enough incentive to send in an application — mission accomplished! 

If you’re still having trouble filling open positions, call LeadingEdge. We have great candidates who are ready to get to work right away, either permanently or on a temporary basis. We’re ready to help meet your needs — call LeadingEdge today!