A good job advertisement attracts attention. A catchy title, short paragraphs with subheadings and bullet points in the text are important. And, of course, an inviting call at the end. 10 Tips for writing an eye-catching, inviting job description:
- The Job Title: Make It Specific
- The intro: write in a compelling way
- The form of address: make it personal
- The work: be honest and clear
- The job requirements: stay realistic
- A vacancy that is difficult to fill: emphasize the ‘skills’
- The job: name what you can offer
- The company culture: give examples
- Inclusivity: don’t exclude people
- The closing: invite to apply!
1. The Job Name: Make It Specific
Choose a specific job title. Use this job title in the title of the job posting. The title ‘Wanted: Groom in the Assen area’ is better than: ‘Star in grooming wanted’. Job seekers who search for this position on the internet will find your vacancy text better.
2. The intro: write in a compelling way
An original and attractive intro attracts attention. It makes the reader read on. Describe in a maximum of 2 sentences what makes the position interesting and fun. Use words and a tone that fit your business.
3. The form of address: make it personal
Address the reader as you or you. Use headings like “This is what you’re going to do” and “This is what we offer you.” Describe the ideal candidate so that someone can relate to it. Also mention the team or the work environment: ‘The team consists of.. And your role in this is…’.
4. The job: be honest and clear
Candidates want to know what the position entails. Therefore, describe the most important tasks. You can also describe what a working day looks like.
5. The job requirements: stay realistic
Be realistic and list up to 7 skills a candidate must have. If the list of requirements is too long, candidates will think they are not suitable. This way, you might miss out on good candidates. Include the following job requirements in the job description:
- (Work) experience
- Education
- Diploma’s en certificaten
- Technical Skills
- Personal qualities and skills
6. A vacancy that is difficult to fill: emphasize the ‘skills’
Diplomas and work experience. They are still the most important requirements when looking for a good candidate. If there are few suitable candidates, you can also recruit on ‘skills’. These are personal skills, talents, and character. Jobseekers who have gained significant experience in another profession can also apply.
7. The job: name what you can offer
Candidates want to know where they stand. Answer the following questions in the job posting:
- Is it a permanent or a temporary contract?
- Is it a part-time or full-time position?
- What is the salary (approximately)?
- What are the working hours?
- How many vacation days?
- What are the benefits? For example: travel allowance, education and training, pension scheme, overtime allowance, career opportunities, company outings and other extras.
8. The company culture: give examples
Candidates find working atmosphere and company culture important. It is therefore smart to supplement your vacancy with information about:
- The history of the company
- Staff outings and joint celebrations
- What sets your company apart from other companies
- What would make it fun to come and work for you
- The language spoken within your company
9. Inclusivity: Don’t exclude people
You should not treat people unequally during a job interview and at work. This means that you are not allowed to discriminate on grounds of discrimination such as race, religion and age. The requirements you set in the vacancy text may only be about the position.
10. The closing: invite to apply!
Conclude the vacancy text with an inviting call to apply: the ‘call-to-action’. Describe how candidates can apply. Include a contact’s name, phone number, and email address. This is where people can go if they have any questions. Also mention the following steps of the application process:
- Until when can candidates respond?
- In what period are the job interviews?
If there are multiple interviews, mention this in the job posting. This way, the applicants know where they stand. Good luck!