For organizations embarking on the journey of recruitment for new team members, there surely is quite a bit of adventure lined up!
With the talent pool seemingly dwindling by the day and top talent already committed elsewhere, it is imperative to find some impactful ways to tackle this challenge. One starting point can be examining the initial point of interaction that applicants have with your company – your job advertisement.
Getting the ideal candidate for an available role within your organization is easier said than done. To entice the correct people to join your team, you must present them with an irresistible opportunity right from the start.
All too often, job postings lack the spark and creativity needed to captivate potential candidates. A survey by indeed points out that 65% of employers had to tweak a job posting even after it was already put up in the past year, mostly because it wasn’t ‘the one’.
In this blog, we will deep dive into how to create the perfect job ads so that you can attract the right candidates to complete your recruitment process.
Why Are the Right Job Ads Important for the Recruitment Process?
Navigating recruitment in today’s environment is tough, with a Deloitte report revealing that nearly 90% of leaders identify talent retention as some of their biggest concerns. This challenge spans industries, with sectors like technology witnessing as many as 77,000 new openings cropping up each month.
What does that mean for an HR professional like perhaps yourself? It means sifting through hundreds of resumes all the time and conducting numerous interviews for the recruitment process.
As candidates contemplate their next career move, they are also selective about where they invest their time in applying. This highlights the importance of crafting compelling job postings to an even greater extent.
Best Practices to Create Job Titles to Enhance Recruitment Process
Great talent is drawn to good job ads. Here are some tips to help you craft enticing job ads:
1. Create an Inclusive Job Title
The job title sets the tone because it is the first thing potential candidates see. According to a Monster survey, 64% of candidates refrain from applying to job postings with confusing titles.
So, be mindful of the language you use. Stay away from terms like ‘lynchpin’, ‘guru’, or ‘ninja’ that hardly conveys your exact need. Clearly indicate the position level—whether it’s junior, mid-level, or senior—and consider how the title reflects possible career progression within your company.
2. Use Active Voice
Opt for the active voice over passive constructions and incorporate personal pronouns like ‘you’ and ‘we’. This helps candidates envision themselves in the role and feel connected to your company from the outset.
3. Link to Organizational Goals
Think of what makes your company unique. Think of how your people perceive your image. As you answer these questions, you are not just crafting a job ad for the recruitment process, you are also building your employer brand.
Highlight how the role contributes to the team and the company’s broader goals. This fosters a sense of community and purpose for potential candidates.
4. Talk About Your Vision/mission
Your company’s culture, mission and values should resonate with potential employees. These elements form the foundation of your company culture and can be a powerful draw for job seekers.
Clearly articulate what sets your company apart and why it is an exceptional place to work.
5. Offer Authentic Description of Role
Oftentimes, when job descriptions don’t accurately depict the role’s responsibilities, the result could be high turnover rates. Authenticity and transparency are crucial when describing a job vacancy.
To create the most precise job ad for the recruitment process, consult with current employees familiar with the role or its previous occupant. Their insights can highlight the key skills required, enabling you to craft an accurate description.
6. Highlight Career Growth Opportunities
Prospective employees aren’t just looking for a job. They want opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Even smaller companies can compete by showcasing potential growth paths, even from entry-level positions.
Emphasize how employees can take on more responsibilities and grow with the company. Larger companies should emphasize the structured career paths and support systems they offer.
7. Be Realistic With Expectations
Keep your expectations reasonable to avoid turning away highly qualified candidates. Include relevant qualifications and attributes without excluding individuals with non-traditional backgrounds, as they may bring unique value to your company.
Qualifications include both education and skills, so specify the required years of experience and the type of work experience while remaining open to alternative pathways.
8. Have a Subtle Approach
Attention to detail is highly valued in the entire recruitment process. Many applicants skim through job postings without fully engaging with the details.
To address this, incorporate a simple instruction within the job ad, such as asking candidates to include a specific subject line in their application email. In automated platforms, consider adding a questionnaire to filter out less engaged applicants.
Ensure You Have the Right Tools for Recruitment
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the wealth of information, remember that there are tools available to streamline the challenging recruitment and job ads process. Look for recruitment platforms that provide an applicant tracking system designed to assist throughout the recruitment journey.
This tool offers features for crafting tailored job offers among other aspects. Additionally, it facilitates the posting of job advertisements across various platforms and websites. Ultimately, this recruitment solution aids HR managers in navigating this complex and time-intensive process, saving them valuable time and resources.
Parting Thoughts
Though writing job descriptions can be time-consuming, it is essential for attracting top talent. With HCM software like Akrivia, all you have to do is create a compelling job description and the software takes care of the rest.
Akrivia HCM can help you effortlessly enhance the job ads process, ensuring you get the right fit for your open roles.
