Crafting a Standout Job Description

At FGP, we believe great people build great companies, and hiring the best employees starts by attracting high-quality talent. There are many factors that go into building your employer brand, like word-of-mouth reputation, testimonials, social media presence, and more, that can affect how you attract talent. But your opportunity for leaving a great first impression is often through your job description.

As candidates navigate the job search process, they are likely to apply for many jobs before they find the perfect fit. An effective and engaging job description is key to making sure you stand out. We are breaking down 4 key things to consider as you craft a standout job description:

• Start with a solid job title. Try to be specific and avoid using vague or overly creative titles that might make it unclear what you’re looking for. Choose a title that candidates will understand and that job seekers are actively searching for, and keep the title short even if the official internal title may be longer. This is also critical when posting on third party job board sites, as more people are likely to see your job when using common search terms and job titles.
• Present a concise, compelling overview of the job. An engaging introduction makes all the difference. Your overview should provide a description of the job’s key functions and also highlight your company’s personality. Help the candidate become excited about the prospect of working with you!
• Clearly present key duties and responsibilities. This helps the candidate envision themselves in the role. Explain how the job will contribute to company goals and how the person can expect to advance and grow within the role. Write the description in plain language, keeping it clear and concise. Give a rough percentage of time spent on different responsibilities. Be honest about what the position entails so that there are no hiring mistakes or hard feelings later. Bullet points can be a helpful tool in building this overview.
• Promote your organization and culture. Be sure to highlight your organization’s culture, workplace style, and highlight benefits and perks like wellness opportunities to help illustrate what it’s like to work at your company. Use the job description to explain company culture, mission, and values to ensure the candidate is an appropriate fit.

Crafting a standout job description can help you attract key talent to help build your business. As you evaluate applicants, compare the resumes you have received with what you have outlined in your listing. Are you attracting the candidates you are looking for? If not, update your details as needed to make sure you are finding the right people.

If you need assistance in crafting a standout job description to attract key talent, FGP can help. Contact us today to connect with our team!