Optimizing Your Job Description

Optimizing Your Job Description

In the past few years, many employers have followed the ‘more is better’ concept when it comes to job descriptions. This is partly because today’s postings are not limited by character counts in a newspaper ad; there is no real limit to what you post online.

However, a job seeker typically spends fewer than 30 seconds reviewing a job posting. Consider this as you craft your next job description.

Focus on Quality

To make your job posting stand out and capture the attention of quality applicants, keep it concise but compelling enough to apply.

Depending on the position, 400 to 800 words should be adequate. Include the fundamental pieces of a job posting but take a more minimalist approach. Create a short and punchy overview paragraph and move right to the responsibilities and requirements.

Stick to minimum qualifications and highlight the most important skills. Try to balance what you are looking for and what applicants are searching for. Consider keywords for SEO, industry specific terms, and avoid too many clichés (strong communication skills, team player, etc).

Aesthetic Components

Use bullets and headers to break up longer blocks of text.

Don’t forget about imagery and graphics:

Logos, company photos, and graphics can make a job posting stand out.

Organization and a neat format will not be overlooked!

Recruitment videos can be a great resource. The average job seeker will pay more attention – about a minute – to a branded job posting, and more time looking at a job posting that includes a recruitment video.