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Winning the Best Candidates Through Effective Job Descriptions

Written by Salary.com Staff

December 8, 2016

Winning the Best Candidates Through Effective Job Descriptions Hero

It is the aim of every company to employ the best workers. They use various strategies to achieve this goal. This includes creating effective job descriptions. Writing job descriptions may look easy, but that is not always the case.

How a company writes their job description plays a major factor in attracting the quality of job seekers. For this reason, they put in so much effort in job description writing. Not doing this can pose challenges with their recruitment process.

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What is a Job Description?

A job description is a written document that outlines what a company needs for a certain job vacancy. They should convey these requirements in a clear and concise manner. The main purpose of a job description is to show all aspects of the job to an applicant.

A job description is a way for job seekers to assess if they fit the role. It also says the company’s expectations for applicants wanting to land a certain job post.

Components of a Job Description

A job description is not a simple writeup. It has certain components that make conveying essential details easier. Here are the vital components included in a job description.

Job Title

This is a brief description of the job. It shows the scope, purpose, and content of the job post. This must be consistent with other job titles of similar job roles.

Job Purpose

This gives a high-level overview of the role. It also shows the level of the job post. In addition, it shows the job post’s scope of responsibility. It is commonly three to four sentences long. It explains why the job exists.

Duties and Responsibilities

This part outlines the duties and responsibilities for the job post. This explains the nature of the job. It shows tasks that are relevant to the job post. In addition, it should say how much authority the position has over other workers. The perfect example of which is for managerial and supervisory roles. Some of the other aspects include the following:

  1. Where, how, why, and how often a worker should perform their duties.
  2. State the areas of direct and indirect accountability.
  3. Job duties that reflect the job’s requirements.

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Qualifications and Skills

A job description must also show the qualifications and skills for a certain role. This section lists what the company needs in terms of skills, ability, and knowledge. It should describe the educational qualifications a worker must have. This part also shows the years of experience the job requires.

The section must show specific skills and abilities for the job post. This may include any licenses or certifications the role needs. Some of the skills commonly seen in job descriptions include problem-solving, creative thinking, multi-tasking, and more.

Job Description Writing Best Practices

Hiring a great talent requires an effective way to attract them. One way to achieve this is by creating an effective job description. The best job descriptions may include a little marketing aspect to it. Here are some best practices in writing job descriptions.

  1. Create the proper and right job title.

The current trend of using terms like rockstar, guru, or ninja in job titles can mean the loss of a great talent. Terms such as these may sound creative but can easily turn job seekers off. Most job seekers search for jobs that match their experience and skills. Using these terms in job titles may confuse and put them off.

  1. Compose a short and engaging job overview.

This section should be one to four sentences and have the job’s major functions. In addition, it should note how the role contributes to the goals of the company.

  1. Highlight responsibilities on growth.

Reading a long list of boring tasks can be tough. Most job seekers find this approach unappealing. Instead, list the major functions of the job post. At the same time, show how the role adds value to the company. More importantly, it is best to show if there is any potential growth for the job post.

  1. Ask current workers for input in writing job descriptions.

The HR team usually keeps files of job descriptions without doing regular revisions. These may no longer reflect the current needs of the company. This goes the same with the skills and experience the job post requires. When updating job descriptions, it is best to bring in input from current workers. Involving them can help find the current skills the role needs.

  1. Incorporate company culture in the job description.

Culture fit is a major deciding factor for job seekers. As a result, a job description should highlight the company culture. Companies can use descriptions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Creating an effective job description is vital to attract the most qualified job seekers. The key to this is finding the balance supplying enough details about the role and company while keeping it clear and concise. Companies can achieve this with the right tools and best practices in mind.

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