When you post a job ad, you’re hoping for a pool of applicants perfect for the role. Writing a great job description is one of the most efficient ways you can get people excited about applying for the role.
Many employers make a number of common mistakes when writing job descriptions that can end up deterring many candidates from applying. We’ve put together five of the most common job description mistakes and tips on how you can avoid them.
Providing Too Much Information
When writing job descriptions, employers often make the mistake of writing generic, uninformative descriptions that provide too much information. Job postings that give too many details can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find what qualifications are necessary for the position.
Focus instead on providing a brief overview of the position and its responsibilities. Then, list the key qualifications that are most important for the role. The candidate will be able to quickly identify whether they are a good fit for the position and allow you to save time in your screening process.
A good job description starts with the team’s mission while also highlighting what the ideal candidate could bring to the business.
Failing To Convey Company Culture
Your job description is one of the first places where you can sell your company’s culture to candidates. Make sure to include information about your company's values, mission, and any other relevant aspects your company holds in high regard.
Candidates want to work with other like-minded people. Company culture helps express the kinds of people you hire and if the candidate would enjoy working with their potential fellow employees.
Some examples of this may include the dress code, company perks, open-door policy, and internal hiring for high-profile business roles like executives, team leaders etc. It is vital to establish this upfront to create the right expectations for both the employer and the applicant before proceeding to the next stage.
Unreasonable Job Expectations
Many times, employers fall into the habit of inflating job requirements or including a never-ending list of responsibilities. Your goal is to encourage job seekers to apply, not scare them away.
Be realistic when writing job descriptions. Make sure that the qualifications listed are absolutely necessary for the position. Ask yourself if current employees are able to achieve the demands you are asking for in the job post.
Aim to include 4-6 responsibilities in your job ad. You will attract more qualified candidates and set your employees up for success by being realistic in your expectations.
Relying On Jargon
When writing job descriptions, employers often rely on jargon to describe the position. These descriptions can be full of industry-specific, or even company-specific, vocabulary that not everyone would understand.
Jargon can also be exclusionary and alienate potential applicants who might be qualified for the position. When using jargon, be sure to explain what it means in plain language so that anyone who reads the job posting can understand them or avoid them altogether.
Hiding The Salary or Providing a Compensation Range
One of the most common mistakes employers make when writing job descriptions is hiding the salary or at least not providing a compensation range. This can be a turnoff for potential candidates, as they may feel like they are not being fully transparent about the position.
Hiring managers should provide a salary or salary range in their job descriptions. Be upfront about the salary and benefits package in the ad to attract top talent. Some may argue that the law won’t require them to do so, but it is still a helpful idea to share this information with any prospective applicant.
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As an employer, it's important to be aware of the mistakes you might be making when writing job descriptions. A poorly worded job description can be the difference between an excellent candidate and a team operating under capacity.
Keep these 5 common mistakes in mind so you can ensure that your job descriptions are more effective and accurate. By doing so, you'll be able to attract better candidates and improve your chances of making a great hire.
If you are a business struggling to source the right talent, reach out to our team today at equiries@nextgeneration.ie.
