Job posts, otherwise known as job ads, wanted ads or announcements are the single most valuable tool that recruiters have when it comes to attracting the highest quality candidates to fill their position. This means that whether for the purposes of immigration labor advertising or to seek out a domestic hire, a top-notch job post template can be the key to success when it comes to nailing that next campaign.
However, the first thing to understand here is what a job post actually is, and likewise, what it is not.
Understanding the Difference Between Job Postings and Job Descriptions
If there is one all-too-common mistake that people tend to make when trying to write a job posting, it is to confuse job posts with job descriptions. However, in reality, job posts and job descriptions are very different things.
Firstly, job descriptions are designed for internal use within the company. The purpose of a job description is to create a detailed, concise description of all the responsibilities and expectations that a person filling a given position will be expected to fulfill. As such, job descriptions are often a little on the dry side, and this is fine since their purpose is to provide clarity.
A job posting, on the other hand, is designed to attract viable candidates to a given position, location or team. As such, a job posting generally takes on a totally different tone than a job description, not to mention emphasizes very different aspects of the job in question.
Meanwhile, a job posting template is a tool that recruiters can use to standardize their job posts to ensure consistency and that the right type of message is always getting across. A well-constructed job template will zero in on aspects of the job that will attract the most qualified candidates, rather than bore them with specific requirements or qualifications. Thus, when it comes to recruitment, a great job post template is one of the best secret weapons that a recruiter can have in their back pocket.
However, do note that in the case of immigration advertising, it is always best to work with a specialized agency that can ensure that all the legal requirements are fulfilled in terms of PERM recruitment ads.
What to Include in a Job Post
Want to create the type of job post template that will stand out? Here are some helpful tips to make it happen.
1. A Catchy Title
When it comes to posting to job boards, in particular, the title is the one single element that determines whether a person will pass on by or decide to scope it out, so it is important to make it look good.
The best way to do this is to not only include the official name of the position itself but also integrate anywhere between one and three things that will make the job seem appealing to a potential applicant.
2. An Exciting Introduction
A job introduction is a single paragraph designed to give the applicant a brief overview of the job, and this is the best place to zero in on those details about the job that a candidate is likely to find stimulating or exciting.
Think of an introduction as a hook designed to make a potential applicant want to read more, and be sure to seize this opportunity to really put the best aspects of the position in the spotlight.
3. Tell a Story
When it comes to providing information about the company itself, nobody wants to read through a bunch of dry details. Even worse, to simply state the facts is to miss out on a valuable opportunity to really give a candidate a vivid picture in their mind of everything that this particular work environment has to offer.
Of course, the best way to do this is to tell the story of the company itself, including when and how it came into being, why employees like to stick around, stand out projects or clients or exciting skills that they can pick up along the way. Don’t forget to mention the company philosophy as well as any awards and accolades or anything else that makes a business stand out from the pack.
4. Zero in On the Position
Of course, in order to attract the right type of candidates, there needs to be certain requirements that are considered essential to the job. However, a job post that is bogged down with essentials will come off as inaccessible or unappealing, so try to limit the necessities to three requirements max.
Then, use the remaining space to talk about fun or unique aspects of the position like the coworker environment, pay, benefits or anything else that might make an applicant want to go out of their way to apply.
Keep in mind that location can be a major factor for many applicants, especially for those who might have to move for the job, so be sure to mention some details about the area like accessibility, schools, and proximity to other attractions. This is especially important in the case of immigration labor advertising, for example.
5. Sum It Up
Finally, drive home all the reasons that the best candidates will want to take their time to apply by creating a short bullet point recap about everything that is great about their job.
This will ensure that the positives are the last thing that a potential applicant remembers and will help tip the scales in terms of deciding whether the position is right for them.
6. Clarify the Application Process
Finally, it’s time to tell a candidate exactly what they need to do to get the application process underway. This should not only cover the details of how to first apply, but also give a broad overview of what to expect during the entire process.
This way, they will feel more confident about applying when they know there won’t be any surprises tossed their way.
Remember, a great job posting template should not be thought of as a finished project, but more so a continual work in progress, so it is important to continually check in an update it as a recruiter learns more and more about what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to ask others for their input either. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can really add a new perspective.
Of course, keep in mind that the advice above is intended for domestic hiring within the US. Anybody interested in immigration labor advertising should be sure to reach out to an agency that specializes in PERM recruitment ads to make sure that they lock down all the legal requirements they need to fulfill to successfully complete the process.
